XN000022-1995-12-14 — Page 40

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I repeat that we have at no stage wished to interfere with the judicial process in the Philippines. That is not what we are asking for, that is not what we are pressing for at all. What we are asking for is that the judicial process takes place as rapidly as possible. And no fair minded person, I think. could deny that Mr Au and Mr Wong have been waiting for a very, very long time.

I think because of the concern which they have themselves expressed about the position of Filipinos in other communities, the leaders of the Government, and others in public life in the Philippines, understand why we are concerned about two of our citizens.

Question: Do you think there's a ... in the case of Paul Au, and Wong?

Governor: It's too early to say, and it would be unfair to them to raise expectations without any solid evidence. All that I will say is that I very much enjoyed my meeting with President Ramos and believe that he was entirely sincere in the concern he expressed and in what he said to me about contacting the Justice Ministry and getting back to me about the position of Mr Au and Mr Wong. But I would not want to offer more hope than has been justified by the discussions that I have had.

Question: Do you expect to get back instructions pretty soon?

Governor: I hope so. And so, I imagine, do Mr Au and Mr Wong.

Question: After the meeting this morning about Mr Au and Mr Wong, are you now satisfied that the right course forward is, as you said yesterday, to pursue the appeal as quickly as possible?

Governor: We will continue and this is always our position when dealing with these sort of cases - we will continue to keep in the closest touch with Mr Au and Mr Wong themselves, and with their families and legal advisers, because one never wants to be in a position in which one is taking action which isn't in line with what the accused themselves want to have done. So we will be continuing to keep in touch with them and I hope that any action that we take will continue to be in line with their expectations and wishes.

End