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Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting this morning (June 30):
Reporter: How would the administration assist the five people injured in the Taiwan tragedy? And secondly, lawmakers and former Chief Secretary Anson Chan also mentioned they are urging the Government to engage in talks on reform. So, do you think the administration has no capacity and ability to handle such issues except to focus on livelihood issues?
Chief Executive: On the question of constitutional development, it is abundantly clear to everyone in the community that both the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Central Authorities have spent a great deal of effort in the past two years. Out of the past three, since this Government took office, we can't carry on spending this kind of effort on just one issue on the Government's agenda. And I believe that it is the common wish of the people of Hong Kong, of Hong Kong SAR Government and the Central Authorities, that we should move on, that we should focus on other important areas that Hong Kong faces, including questions of land development, housing, medical care, education, ageing society and so on, so forth. And therefore, as I said, I believe that this proposal has met with a general consensus in the community that we should refocus on the question of providing help to Hong Kong people who are involved in accidents outside of Hong Kong. Again, everyone can see that Hong Kong Government has been doing its very best.
The situation in Taiwan, we understand, is that because of large number of casualties, there is a need for matters to settle down before we could talk effectively with the Taiwan authorities. But we have been doing all that we can and we shall continue to step up our efforts. We have Immigration Department colleagues, government staff, on the ground providing all the necessary help. Thank you.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Issued at HKT 11:14
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MP4 format