LC: Speech by S for S in moving the Resolution under Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (Czech Republic) Order
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     Following is the speech (English translation) by the Secretary for Security, Mr Lai Tung-kwok, in moving the Resolution under Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (Czech Republic) Order in the Legislative Council today (March 19):

Mr President,

     I move that the motion, as printed on the agenda, on the resolution to approve the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (Czech Republic) Order, be passed by this Council.

     In moving the motion on the resolution to approve the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (Spain) Order just now, I explained the purpose and importance of concluding bilateral agreements on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters between Hong Kong and other jurisdictions, as well as the procedural arrangements for implementing such bilateral agreements through the making of orders on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.

     Pursuant to the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Ordinance (MLA Ordinance), the Chief Executive in Council has made the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (Czech Republic) Order to implement the bilateral agreement on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters signed between Hong Kong and the Czech Republic, to enable the MLA Ordinance to be applied as between Hong Kong and the Czech Republic.  As specified in Schedule 2 of the Czech Republic Order, certain provisions of the Ordinance are modified to a limited extent.  Such modifications do not affect that the Order substantially conforms to the provisions of the Ordinance.

     I now invite Members to approve the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (Czech Republic) Order.

     Thank you, Mr President.

Ends/Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Issued at HKT 20:35

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