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Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Stephen Lam, at a media session after attending the Legislative Council meeting today (January 11):
Reporter: Yesterday a journalist was forcibly pushed out to the back when he was trying to cover an event. Does it mean that our press freedom is being infringed upon?
Chief Secretary for Administration: First and foremost let me reiterate that on the part of the HKSAR Government, we have total commitment to safeguarding the freedom of the press in Hong Kong. This is part of our core values. This is also one of the fundamentals which have guaranteed Hong Kong's success as an international city all these years.
In moving to the Tamar complex we have made practical arrangements for members of the media to cover whatever aspects or issues they wish, both in East Wing and West Wing, and on Tuesdays outside the Executive Council meeting. These arrangements will stay. Yesterday there was some miscommunication between the Administration Wing and the security staff. The Administration Wing has already expressed their apologies in this regard. We shall guarantee that these standing arrangements will continue.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Issued at HKT 15:12
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