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Flags flying half-mast
Flags on all government buildings will be flown at half-mast for one day at noon today (Thursday) as a mark of respect for Deng Xiaoping, who passed away yesterday (Wednesday).
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Governor's statement on appointment of Principal Officials
The following is the statement by the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten today (Thursday):
"I have been most fortunate during my time as Governor to be supported by an outstanding Civil Service, and I am pleased that Mr Tung Chee Hwa will continue to be served by an excellent team of senior officials. The whole community wanted to see a through train for the Civil Service, and will welcome the reassuring news of the reappointments of all the current serving Policy Secretaries as Principal Officials in the Special Administrative Region Government."
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Transcript of Chief Secretary's media session
Following is the transcript of a media session given at the CGO by the Chief Secretary, Mrs Anson Chan, following the announcement of the appointment of SARG Principal Officials this (Thursday) evening:
Chief Secretary: I am sure the entire community is very saddened today by news of the death of Mr Deng Xiaoping but we have to continue with our work.