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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, issued the following statement after the closing of the WTO HK Ministerial Conference today (December 18):
I am very happy to see that the WTO Hong Kong Ministerial Conference has gone well. The Hong Kong Declaration provides a firm foundation for the Doha Development Agenda to be concluded next year.
Hong Kong is a staunch supporter of the multi-lateral trading system. It is living proof that free and open trade works. I certainly hope that the hard work carried out in Hong Kong over the past week will be translated into real and concrete benefits for the world as a whole, but in particular the people who need it most in the least developed and developing countries.
There has been very positive feedback from delegates and other participants about the superb way in which the meeting was organised and conducted. It reflects typical Hong Kong efficiency. Many government departments and organisations have made significant contributions in this regard. They have tirelessly worked for this conference during this past week and in the months leading up to it.
The disturbance caused by some demonstrators resorting to violence in Wan Chai yesterday was deeply regrettable. This is totally unacceptable behaviour to the people of Hong Kong. In Hong Kong's free and pluralistic society, all of us enjoy the right to assemble peacefully and express our opinions. No one, however, has the right to abuse these freedoms and cause injury and property damage. We are a tolerant society, but we cannot and will not tolerate violence as a means to advance the agenda of any group.
I commend the Hong Kong Police Force for its measured and appropriate response to the violence created by some protesters. The Police officers carried out their duty to preserve public order and protect the citizens of Hong Kong in a most professional manner. They have earned our thanks, praise and steadfast support.
In typical Hong Kong style, members of the public have risen to the challenge of hosting the conference. I would like to thank them for their tolerance and co-operation in the face of some inconvenience and disruptions.
It has been a trying week. But, thanks to the concerted efforts of Hong Kong people, we can all be proud of what we have accomplished. By staging a smoothly run Ministerial Conference and witnessing its success in Hong Kong, we have demonstrated to the world again that Hong Kong is, indeed, Asia's world city.
Ends/Sunday, December 18, 2005
Issued at HKT 23:11
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