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In response to a statement delivered by the spokesperson of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines today (January 30) regarding sanctions implemented by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, a Government spokesman said the following:
As the Chief Executive stated yesterday, the four demands of the victims and their families are justified. The Philippine side has addressed three of the demands positively. However, we have been seeking a satisfactory solution to the four demands made by the victims and family members as a package.
Despite many rounds of discussion, the Philippine side is still unable to meet the demand of the victims and their families for a formal apology. There remains a substantive difference between us. We have to emphasise that the victims and their families have been demanding a formal apology from the Philippine side from the very beginning since the incident. The HKSAR Government will continue to seek a satisfactory response from the Philippine side.
The announced measure aims to send an unequivocal message to the Philippine Government. We hope the Philippine Government will demonstrate greater sincerity and resolve to bring a satisfactory conclusion to the Manila hostage-taking incident.
Ends/Thursday, January 30, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:31
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