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Response by CE's Office to media enquiries
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     In response to media enquiries today (October 13) on comments on Hong Kong by US Senator Ted Cruz, a spokesman for the Chief Executive's Office said the following:

     While we respect the freedom of speech of foreign politicians, we consider that comments should be based on facts. Everyone can see from media reports that violent protesters conducted violent and vandalistic acts on many occasions in Hong Kong in recent months.  Masked rioters vandalised public facilities and shops, committed arson, hurled petrol bombs as well as wantonly attacked police and people with different views in various districts, seriously undermining public order. It is indeed baffling for Mr Cruz to say that he had not seen protesters' violent acts.

     In the face of continuous escalation of violence, it is necessary for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and Police to tackle the situation resolutely in accordance with the law. Before expressing their views, foreign politicians should put thought into the actions they would have taken if the same situation happened in their own country, instead of criticising Hong Kong irresponsibly or even expressing support or endorsement in any form for violent acts. 

     The Chief Executive originally planned to meet Mr Cruz yesterday at his request but the meeting was cancelled due to the Chief Executive's other duty commitment. The meeting, as with the Chief Executive's previous meetings with various foreign guests, was planned to be closed door whereby both sides would not openly disclose the content of the meeting. Mr Cruz did not raise any objection to the arrangement.
 
Ends/Sunday, October 13, 2019
Issued at HKT 19:58
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