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Following is the transcript of the media session held by the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee, at the Information Services Department Press Conference Room tonight (December 17):
This afternoon, World Trade Organization demonstrators have shown their true colours by resorting to violence, breaking our law and order and disobeying the instructions of our police officers. I condemn such illegal behaviour and I think the whole Hong Kong community will join me in condemning such irresponsible behaviour.
In the past few days, our police officers have adopted a tolerant attitude in treating these demonstrators. This should not be seen as a weak gesture. I can assure the Hong Kong community that our Police have the capability and determination to maintain good law and order in Hong Kong. The Police are going to take robust action to dispel these kinds of illegal and violent acts. So I wish to appeal to Hong Kong citizens that they should not, for the time being, go to Wan Chai. If you have relatives or children in Wan Chai, please ask them to leave immediately because the Hong Kong Police will take robust action to restore Hong Kong's good law and order and stability.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript)
Ends/Saturday, December 17, 2005
Issued at HKT 20:08
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