*****************************************************
Following is the transcript of remarks (English portion) by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, at a media session after attending a meeting of Heung Yee Kuk on constitutional development today (August 22):
Reporter: Do you think that the views expressed by the Heung Yee Kuk is actually a little bit polarized from what is expressed by the pan-democrats?
Chief Secretary for Administration: Actually, Hong Kong is a very diverse community with many views. The Heung Yee Kuk is one the most important statutory bodies representing the views of the New Territories residents. These are very valuable views which the Special Administrative Region Government has always valued and we will continue to do so. I don¡¦t think there is a polarization of views. I think it is a healthy development and healthy representation of the diverse society that Hong Kong is.
Reporter: What¡¦s the Government going to do with the metal workers?
Chief Secretary for Administration: We will continue to exert every effort to mediate as well as to communicate with all the stakeholders and concerned parties. We hope through our efforts and the efforts of all those involved, the industrial action will be able to find a way out.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion.)
Ends/Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Issued at HKT 14:48
NNNN