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Transcript of remarks by CE at media session in Bali (with video)
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     Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung, at a media session in Bali, Indonesia, this morning (October 8):

Reporter: Mr Leung, what kind of results would you like to achieve through the official dialogue with the Philippine Government, as for example, would you ask for compensation or apology on behalf of the victims and when will you expect the first meeting?

Chief Executive: We're taking a small step in the right direction. I don't think anyone should over-promise the results of further dialogue between Hong Kong and the Philippines. The Philippine Government have agreed to carry on our dialogue and to look at the demands of the families of the victims and also the injured in this incident. This is now possible as a result of my request to the President himself before the formal meeting started at APEC. We agreed and we mutually arranged for the official meeting to take place yesterday afternoon. The Philippine side fielded seven officials, some at ministerial level. I attended with two of Hong Kong Government colleagues. The Philippine side, at the beginning, took the position that the matter has been resolved. I did not agree. I believe, and I made the case to the Philippine side, that this matter, unless it is resolved properly, will continue to stand in the way in the normal relationships between Hong Kong and the Philippines. So after about 40 minutes, I made the suggestion and the Philippine Government agreed that we should take this matter further by continuing our dialogue officially. So as I said, I don't think I want to over-promise anything and I don't think it will be reasonable for us to have any expectation of an early resolution of this matter, but I do promise the Hong Kong people concerned and the Hong Kong community that I personally and Hong Kong Government will continue to make our best endeavours to have this matter resolved with the Philippine Government as quickly as we can.

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

Ends/Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Issued at HKT 11:32

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