XN000022-1995-03-02 — Page 6

i

5

Question: No, what is your interpretation of his words?

FS: I'm not going to interpret his words because then he'll feel compelled to comment on my words. We've made proposals to them in December and we hope that soon we can have a discussion, not in the newspapers but in the JLG forum, that's the way to make progress. And if I fall for the temptation of commenting on reactions from various people, then I am just contributing to megaphone diplomacy. So let's have a sensible discussion in the JLG and reach an agreement. Thank you very much.

End/Thursday, March 2, 1995

AG to appeal against Magistrate's decision on Ming Pao case

The Attorney General, Mr Jeremy Mathews, has decided to lodge an appeal against a magistrate's decision made on February 16 on summonses issued to Ming Pao Newspaper Limited and three of the paper's editorial staff for offences contrary to section 30 of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance.

Mr Mathews has applied today (Thursday) to the magistrate to state and sign a case in order that he may conduct his appeal.

In the event that the magistrate signs the case as requested, it will be placed before a judge of the High Court. It is the intention of the Attorney General to ask that judge to refer the matter for the consideration of the Court of Appeal.

The magistrate, Mr Hugh Sinclair, had ruled that the defendants had no case to answer because section 30(1) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance was inconsistent with Article 16 of the Bill of Rights and consequently had been repealed by the Bill of Rights Ordinance.

A spokesman for the Legal Department said today that in view of the appeal, ICAC had been advised that they should continue to respond to any alleged or suspected breach of section 30(1) in the same manner as they have hitherto,

End/Thursday, March 2, 1995