********************************************************
The Hong Kong People・s Alliance on the World Trade Organization would be able to hold public activities at Victoria Park during the Sixth Ministerial Conference (MC6) of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Head of the WTO Sixth Ministerial Conference Co-ordination Office (MCO), Miss Janet Wong, said today (October 7).
Miss Wong and officials from the Hong Kong Police Force and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) met this morning with representatives of the Alliance to discuss arrangements for public activities and demonstrations.
To help non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to hold MC6-related public activities during the conference period, an inter-departmental committee comprising MCO, the Police, the Transport Department and LCSD has been set up to co-ordinate applications from them. The committee has considered all applications received so far, including those from the Alliance, and agreed to grant conditional approval to the Alliance to use two football pitches, the band stand and half of the central lawn in Victoria Park.
Noting that other NGOs might also want to hold public activities in the park, Miss Wong said it would be fair and reasonable to reserve half of the central lawn at this stage. Nevertheless, should there be no other applications received in future, the other half of the lawn would also be granted to the Alliance.
Miss Wong also explained at the meeting the inconvenience caused if camping was allowed in Victoria Park and she was glad to learn that the Alliance had decided not to camp there.
The Government will continue to stay in close contact with the Alliance to help them work out detailed arrangements such as insurance and electricity supply.
As regards Southorn Playground, having taken into account the views expressed by the Wan Chai District Council, the Government has considered in detail the use of the playground and decided that it would not be used for demonstration purposes. However, the playground could be used as a venue for other MC6-related public activities such as public forums and cultural performances.
Today・s meeting also discussed arrangements for the setting up of demonstration areas near the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), the venue of the MC6. Miss Wong said the Government appreciated the Alliance's desire to have the demonstration zones set as near to the HKCEC as possible.
The Government has actively explored the possibility of designating the Wan Chai Sports Ground and Wan Chai Public Cargo Working Area as demonstration zones. The Alliance was briefed on the pros and cons of these options at today・s meeting.
Miss Wong said that the Wan Chai Sports Ground was a reasonably good location given its proximity to the HKCEC. It was spacious and had good facilities such as toilets. However, the playground's running track had just been resurfaced and any damage to the track may affect sports events, including a number of school sports days, to be held after the conference as the time as well as cost required for the repair was significant.
：We need to protect the running track,； Miss Wong said.
As regards the Wan Chai Cargo Working Area, Miss Wong pointed out that it was very near to the HKCEC. Nevertheless, as it was located at the waterfront, suitable security measures had to be worked out.
：Arrangements will be made shortly for the Alliance to visit the two areas. We will also brief the Wan Chai District Council which has given us valuable views on the matter,； Miss Wong said.
：We fully respect the wish of the NGOs to hold public activities and demonstrations during the conference period. As the host of the MC6, we attach great importance to facilitating peaceful and lawful activities of NGOs on the one hand and also ensuring public order, public safety and the smooth conduct of the conference.
：We sincerely hope that the Government and NGOs can, through good communication and co-operation, achieve our common objective to conduct all demonstrations in a peaceful and orderly manner,； Miss Wong said.
Ends/Friday, October 7, 2005
Issued at HKT 15:58
NNNN
