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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL

invited. Thousands of members of the media will be here to telecast our return. Everyone wants to see this special day in history running smoothly. We want to give the world a beautiful impression of Hong Kong.

As a body in charge of municipal services, the Urban Council should place importance on this day. We should do all we can to help make things better. The provision of recreational and cultural activities is our role. We are now barely 100 days away from 1 July. The community is already working hard to stage all sorts of celebrations. We have received a lot of bookings for venues. I think we should arrange things as soon as possible.

Today's motion does not only ask Members to support celebrations for the return of Hong Kong to China, I am asking for your support and commitment so that the Department will be able to handle this great job. I am sure as we get closer to 1 July, we will be more inspired and we will see on our streets more visitors here to witness the occasion and the spirit of Hong Kong. It is incumbent upon the Urban Council to do its best and prepare Hong Kong for the world. I ask you all to support my motion. Thank you.

MS. CHRISTINA TING YUK-CHEE (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman, I support the motion.

MS. CHRISTINA TING YUK-CHEE (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman, with the setting up of the Provisional Legislature and the appointment of the first Chief Executive, Hong Kong gets closer to her return to China. On 1 July, Hong Kong will become a Special Administrative Region of China. The one country two systems policy will be enforced here and we will enjoy a high degree of autonomy, Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong. Under the able leadership of Mr. TUNG, we will continue to enforce our well-tried and effective system and ensure stability and prosperity for Hong Kong.

In 112 more days, Hong Kong will return to China and the over 100 year old colonial rule will end. I am sure Hong Kong people are excited. Many organizations have started many celebration activities scheduled for the next few months. The Urban Council plays an important role at this time. We must reserve our venues for the Association for the Celebration of the Return of Hong Kong so that it can stage activities for the public. I hope the Association will make good use of our venues.

As the main sponsoring body of cultural and recreational activities, the Council has good experience in organizing activities and establishing contact with performing companies. I think the Council can offer assistance to the Association in this respect. Maybe we can consider staging activities jointly with the Association. This will be good use of our resources. We all want to stage good quality activities to commemorate this historical occasion. So, Mr. Chairman, I have spoken with glee in support of the motion by Mr. IP Kwok-chung.

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