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    Following is the transcript of remarks (English portion) by the Acting Chief Executive, Mr Henry Tang, to the media at the lobby of Central Government Offices (West Wing) this (June 21) afternoon:

Acting Chief Executive: In accordance with the Basic Law, the State Council has appointed Mr Donald Tsang as the Chief Executive of Hong Kong.  Mr Tsang will go to Beijing and be sworn in there on June 24.  I offer Donald my heartiest and most sincere congratulations.  He has outstanding leadership as well as extensive experience in the governance of Hong Kong.  He has garnered 714 supporters from the Election Committee and was declared elected ipso facto last Thursday.  I am confident that in the next two years, he will, in accordance with the Basic Law and the principle of "One Country, Two Systems", lead the community and build a prosperous and harmonious society.  Thank you.

Reporter: What is the chance of he being re-elected again in 2007?

Acting Chief Executive: The current appointment lasts until June 30, 2007.  I trust he will do his best in the forthcoming two years.  How he will do in the next election is for voters to decide.

Reporter:  How much longer will you be acting Chief Executive?  Regarding the ceremony in Beijing, do you know who will be attending and who will be presiding?

Acting Chief Executive:  As far as who will be presiding or who will be attending or who will accompany Donald to go to Beijing, he will make that public later on this afternoon.  I will continue to be Acting Chief Executive until he returns from Beijing.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Issued at HKT 15:10

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