XN000022-1995-10-18 — Page 57

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Reporter Xi Yang's case

Following is a question by the Hon Emily Lau and a written reply by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Michael Suen, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

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Regarding the imprisonment of Mr Xi Yang the Ming Pao Daily News reporter in China, will the Government inform this Council of the measures taken by the Hong Kong Government in the past year to seek his early release and whether it has any information on whether the British Government has taken similar or other measures to obtain the release of Mr Xi Yang?

Reply:

Mr President.

The British and Hong Kong Governments remain concerned about the case of Mr Xi Yang. Both Governments have raised this case on many occasions with the Chinese Government, and at very high level. We have conveyed our concern, and that of Hong Kong people and his family, about Mr Xi, and urged that clear guidelines be produced for journalists working in China. In April 1995, Mr Xi's case was raised by the then Secretary of State during his meeting with Vice-Premier Qian Qichen in New York. In June, at the request of the family, the Hong Kong Government made representation to the Chinese authorities concerning the welfare of Mr Xi. Earlier this month, the Secretary of State, during his meeting with Vice-Premier Qian Qichen in London, also expressed the concern of the British and Hong Kong Governments, Hong Kong people and Mr Xi's family about his circumstances including his health. The Hong Kong Government will continue to keep in close touch with the family and render whatever assistance is appropriate.

End/Wednesday, October 18, 1995