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Following is the transcript of remarks (the opening remarks are an English translation) by the Secretary for Security, Mr Lai Tung-kwok, at a media session after attending the Legislative Council meeting today (December 10):
Secretary for Security: The illegal occupation and road blockage have lasted for some 70 days. The daily lives and livelihood of the general public have been seriously affected. The Government and Police have been exercising the utmost restraint and tolerance towards the matter. Different sectors of the community and most of the general public have expressed their views clearly and strongly that the illegal occupiers should stop the occupation immediately in order to restore social order.
A few days ago, the High Court granted an Injunction Order concerning part of the illegally occupied roads in Admiralty. According to the Court's order, the Police would provide assistance to the bailiffs, where necessary, in enforcing the Injunction Order tomorrow (December 11) to remove the obstacles along Connaught Road Central, Harcourt Road and Cotton Tree Drive.
Police held a press conference last night explaining in detail the objective of, areas covered by and legal basis for their enforcement action. The Police have clearly stated that, apart from the injunction order granted by court, they would also execute their power conferred under the law to remove obstacles in the areas of Central and Admiralty to re-open the blocked roads. As for the illegally occupied road sections in Causeway Bay, police will remove the obstacles and re-open the relevant roads in due course.
A number of Legislative Council members have just appealed to occupiers to disperse peacefully. I appeal again to those engaged in the unlawful assemblies and road occupations, who are still staying at the occupied areas, to leave peacefully before tomorrow morning. They should stop blocking roads, provoking and obstructing police officers from performing their duties. They should not use any violent acts. Students are advised to leave as soon as possible and stay away from troublemakers. We do not want anyone, including any members of the public or police, to get hurt in the Police operations. The Police will take resolute actions against anyone who obstructs the enforcement of the injunction order, continues to block the roads, charges at police officers, re-occupies re-opened roads or disrupts the public order, with a view to resuming public order and public safety.
I reiterate that the Police have already made due preparations. They are determined and competent in taking enforcement actions to restore traffic and public order in the affected areas.
Reporter: Mr Lai, what are the tactics that the Police will adopt to advise students and protesters? And my second question is, are there any contingency plans ...?
Secretary for Security: As regards the operation details, I am afraid that it is premature to give you a very detailed account, but you will probably know that last night the Police held a press conference and answered questions raised by the press regarding the outline of what they are going to do. Thank you.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:20
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