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Transcript of the Governor's media session
The following is a transcript of the media session by the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, after officiating at the Hong Kong Institute of Education Graduation ceremony this (Tuesday) afternoon:
Governor: I'm delighted the Hong Kong Institute of Education has got up to such a flying start. It's got a very important role in education in Hong Kong, training the next generation of teachers and therefore in looking after the future of our community.
Question: Governor, one vice-director of the NCNA yesterday admitted that the Sino- British sides are discussing about the transition of civil servants especially the mechanism of the Chinese officials with the senior government civil servant. How can the Hong Kong Government assist the Chinese for the formation of the team designate.
Governor: We are discussing transition issues like that in the Joint Liaison Group.
Question: How can that mechanism be worked out?
Governor: That's the matter we are discussing in the JLG.
Question: There's an interview in the Independent in London yesterday in which you said you felt that some officials were making war between you and them. You are quoted as saying that....
Governor: I haven't seen the interview. I gave it. But I haven't seen it.
Question: Mr Ambassador Zhao, after the JLG plenary criticising the Hong Kong Government or the British side table the MPF Bill ... and also there's going to be an enormous amendment to the existing Hong Kong laws and the Chinese side felt quite dissatisfied. How can that be resolved?
Governor: That's a cross we all have to bear.
Question: Are you satisfied with the JLG results?