***********************************************
Following is a transcript of remarks (English portion) given by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at a media session on the Ching Cheong case at the Main Wing lobby of the Central Government Offices today (August 31):
The HKSAR Government has been very concerned and consistently working on Mr Ching's case. We have kept in close touch with his family. We have conveyed to the Central Government his family's requests and appeals. We have also conveyed the concerns over this case expressed by various bodies in Hong Kong, including the Legislative Council Panel on Security and journalist associations.
In rendering assistance to residents, the HKSAR Government must respect the "One Country, Two Systems" principle and does not interfere with the law enforcement and the judicial process on the Mainland, just as the Mainland authorities do not interfere with cases that fall within the jurisdiction of the HKSAR.
The Mainland authorities have now ruled on Mr Ching's case. The HKSAR Government is not in a position to comment on the details of the case. I can, however, promise that my administration will continue to keep in touch with Mr Ching's family and provide every possible help in accordance with their wishes and appeals.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Thursday, August 31, 2006
Issued at HKT 13:28
NNNN