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Following is the English portion of the transcript of the stand-up session given by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, today (July 31) at Government House after officiating at the reception in celebration of the Beijing's successful bid for the 2008 Olympic Games:
Reporter: Mr Tung, ..a question about Li Shaomin. He's now being allowed to be in Hong Kong where he's used to teach. What's the Government's view on this?
Chief Executive: As far as the Government's view is concerned, the Government made a decision yesterday, and had already explained the position. I have nothing further to add to that.
Reporter: Do you think he should be free to resume his teaching duties?
Chief Executive: I have nothing further to add to that.
Reporter: Mr Tung, was the decision actually made after consultation with Beijing? And did Hong Kong get China's blessing in this?
Chief Executive: I think on issues of entry into Hong Kong, these are Hong Kong SAR's own affairs. But let me emphasize to you again, the decision is made after a very thorough consideration, taking into account what is in the best interests of Hong Kong as well as what is in the best interests of the country as a whole.
Reporter: We have two events here occurring essentially back to back. We have Dr Li, which is an immigration decision, and we have the Taiwan announcement regarding the setting up of a Chung Hwa Agency at the airport. People will be seeking to interpret these events not only in Hong Kong but abroad. How would you like them to be seen in terms of Hong Kong's autonomy ....
Chief Executive: Well, I leave it to you, the professionals, to interpret them. All I can tell you is that, these are events that have happened and the SAR Government is doing the best we can in serving our people.
(Please also refer to the Chinese part of the transcript)
End/Tuesday, July 31, 2001
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