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The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The delegation of the Legislative Council will depart for Central Europe tonight (September 13) to begin its 11-day visit to Prague of the Czech Republic, Zagreb and Rijeka of the Republic of Croatia, and Budapest of the Republic of Hungary.
The purpose of the visit is to obtain first-hand information on the political and constitutional development in these emerging democracies as well as their electoral systems, so as to draw experience from how they managed the changes during the democratization process. The delegation will also take this opportunity to gain a better understanding of the operation of the legislatures concerned, including their committee structure, the way different parties in the legislature work together, the support provided to individual Members of Parliaments (MPs) by their Parliamentary Service, how the Parliamentary Service is managed and financed, and the challenges faced by MPs.
During its stay in the three countries, the delegation will meet and exchange views with various parties, including Members and staff of the Parliaments, members of political parties, government officials, non-governmental organizations, academics specializing in the study of democratization in these countries, as well as those who have participated in the democratic movements.
The programme of the visit is attached.
The delegation is led by Hon Emily Lau Wai-hing (Leader) and Hon Fred Li Wah-ming (Deputy Leader). Other Members are Hon Timothy Fok Tsun-ting, Hon Alan Leong Kah-kit, Hon Cyd Ho Sau-lan, Hon Paul Chan Mo-po, Hon Ip Kwok-him and Hon Paul Tse Wai-chun.
Ends/Sunday, September 13, 2009
Issued at HKT 14:01
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