Traditional Chinese Simplified Chinese Email this article news.gov.hk
CE's transcript at media session on Sichuan earthquake (With photo/video)
************************************************************

    Following is the transcript of remarks (English portion) by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at a media session on Sichuan earthquake at the Central Government Offices, West Wing, today (May 13):   

Reporter: How will the HKSAR Government help the Sichuan earthquake victims?

Chief Executive:  We have been liaising closely with the Central Government. Our proposed assistance comes in three parts. First, we are proposing to the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council that we are going to donate a sum of $300 million and give it to the co-ordinating centre which is responsible for the rescue work. This is co-ordinated by the Central Government and I understand from the Finance Committee chairman that he is agreeable to convene an emergency meeting to consider this proposal tomorrow.

    Second, we have organised a volunteer team comprising experts from the Fire Services Department and the Health Department. There is another group of volunteers from the Hospital Authority. They are ready to be despatched to the areas of disaster. We are co-ordinating with the Central Government how best they should go and when they should go and in what areas they can help.

    Third, I have asked our Beijing office and Chengdu office to help the Hong Kong residents who might be stranded in that area, and at the same time I am hoping that the Hong  Kong community will, as usual, participate in charitable work and make voluntary donations to help the victims in this area. I am sure this would be our initial response. Depending on the severity of the situation we may have to consider other measures as well.

Reporter: Are you worrying that the earthquake will affect the Beijing Olympics?

Chief Executive: The Beijing Olympics will be held in Beijing which is very far away from the areas of disaster. And also the Olympics are under preparation for many years and have the full support of the Olympic community as well as the whole nation. I do not think the arrangement will be affected by the disaster. Thank you very much.

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

Ends/Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Issued at HKT 12:36

NNNN

Photo
Print this page