Secretary for Security says intelligence sharing vital in terror fight (with photos)
**********************************************************

    The Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee, said today (August 11, Sydney time) the stopping of the terrorist plot by the British authorities clearly shows the importance of close liaison and intelligence sharing among law enforcement agencies around the world.

     Speaking to the media in Sydney during his visit to Australia, Mr Lee said Hong Kong would continue to exchange information and intelligence with other territories and countries, and actively cooperate with its international partners in action against terrorism.

     He said there was at present no specific intelligence to suggest that Hong Kong was likely to be a target for terrorism.

     "However, the Hong Kong Police will remain vigilant and maintain its level of coverage and operational readiness commensurate with the prevailing threat level, which is not high at the present stage," he said.

     Earlier today, Mr Lee inspected cargo examination procedures at Port Botany in Sydney - Australia's second largest container port behind Port Melbourne.

     He also met the Minister for Police, New South Wales, Mr Carl Scully, before winding up his Australian visit.

     Mr Lee will fly to Singapore on Sunday (August 13).

Ends/Friday, August 11, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:47

NNNN