CE commends Police performance
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    The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, has commended the performance of the Hong Kong Police during protests in Wan Chai north today (December 13) against the World Trade Organization (WTO).

     Protestors on Hung Hing Road tried to carry a heavy wooden article past a Police cordon towards the area around the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, which is hosting the WTO Hong Kong Ministerial Conference. The article posed a danger to public safety and Police used minimum degree of force to hold the protestors at bay.

     Speaking at the opening press conference, the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr John Tsang, who is also Chairman of the Conference, said Hong Kong is an open, free and liberal society that welcomes peaceful demonstrations. He said Hong Kong will not tolerate violent behaviour, adding the Police will act with resolution and tolerance.

     Five people were injured in the scuffle, including two policemen.

Ends/Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Issued at HKT 23:45

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