XN000022-1995-05-10 — Page 14

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The spokesman said: "Subject to the Finance Committee's approval, tenders will be invited in July this year to allow the works to start in October. Works will be completed by March 1997 to tie in with the opening of the Lantau Fixed Crossing in mid-1997."

A paper outlining details of the proposed funding was issued today to members of the Public Works Sub-committee of the Legislative Council Finance Committee.

End/Wednesday, May 10, 1995

Transfer of VMs from High Island Detention Centre tomorrow

A Government spokesman announced today (Wednesday) that an operation would be undertaken tomorrow in the High Island Detention Centre to remove some 38 Vietnamese migrants (VMs) who have been selected for return on an Orderly Repatriation Programme (ORP) flight on May 17.

The spokesman explained that following an announcement in High Island on Monday, 43 VMs scheduled for repatriation came forward for transfer to Victoria Prison.

However, in the last 24 hours, tension has mounted in the camp and 30 VMs including two children have climbed on to the rooftops.

"We had hoped that all would come forward voluntarily. We now see little prospect of that happening and with a deterioration of law and order in the camp, we have accordingly decided to mount an operation tomorrow morning," the spokesman said.

The transfer operation will be monitored by representatives of non-government organisations (Oxfam and Christian Action), and non-official Justices of the Peace.

Attention News Editors:

There will be a fixed press position at High Island tomorrow (Thursday) from where the operation and departure from the camp can be observed. Photographers are advised to bring telephoto lens for the best coverage.