Chief Secretary's transcript
The following is the transcript of a media session given by the Chief Secretary, Mrs Anson Chan, at the airport this (Monday) evening after her visit to the United States:
Chief Secretary: During this visit, I visited three American states and had the opportunity to meet with people in the business sector and also government officials. There are continuing to be very strong interests in Hong Kong and Hong Kong's future. But I have to say that the recent recommendations of the legal sub-group and the subsequent decision of the Preparatory Committee concerning the Bill of Rights Ordinance and repeal of legislation had sent an extremely negative signal to people in America and there is clearly concern about whether human rights will be protected after 1997 and in particular, there are doubts as to China's commitment to implementing the "one country, two systems" concept after 1997. Of course, I took this opportunity to try and put forward a positive side of Hong Kong. But I have to confess that the latest development has made my job rather more difficult. I clearly hope to be able to reflect the views and the feelings I have obtained on this trip to Mr Tung.
Question: You said you are in some delicate position of the legal issue....
Chief Secretary: I think that is a fact. Isn't it? I am part of the current administration but I have promised Mr Tung that I will stay on as Chief Secretary and therefore will be very much a part of the SAR Government.
Question: If you are unable to reconcile your position with Mr Tung....
Chief Secretary: I haven't exactly said I can't reconcile. I am simply just stating, as you know, the Hong Kong Government's position on the provisional legislature and on anything to do with human rights has been made abundantly clear. I am personally I share the community's disappointment that the Preparatory Committee has not seemed fit to recognise the widespread concern that has been caused by the legal sub-group's recommendations.
End