XN000022-1995-12-22 — Page 2

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Transcript of the Governor's media session

Following is the transcript of the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten's media session after opening the Kowloon Walled City Park this (Friday) afternoon:

Governor: Hope you enjoy the garden while you are here. I just like to say once again what a marvellous job I think everybody has done in transforming what was a very environmentally unpleasant slum into a beautiful garden.

Question: We've heard that the Chinese side insists that the 1997 sovereignty transfer ceremony should be a simple one, and as the Governor what do you think? Should it be big or just keep it simple?

Governor: I think it should be dignified. I think it should be solemn. I think it should be in keeping with the historic event that we are marking in Hong Kong. I think everybody has to remember that the eyes of the whole world will be on Hong Kong at the end of June in 1997, and perhaps to some time beyond that as well. We are negotiating, we are discussing these things with the Chinese side. And I hope the negotiations produce results as soon as possible.

Question: How would you comment on recently there were three police officers committing suicide by their own gun? Will there be any follow-up measures taken by the Hong Kong Government?

Governor: I am sure the whole community has been disturbed by the reports of these suicides, and I would like to offer my condolences to those who have been bereaved in such distressing circumstances. Obviously the police and their welfare department are looking at the moment at each of the cases. There is no reason at present to suppose that there is a connection between the individual tragedies. So I don't think one can But possibly learn any collective lesson from these tragedies at the moment. obviously if there is any overall lesson in personnel management or in any other matter to learn, the police will want to take it to heart. But for the moment I'm sure particularly at this time of year, we all want to offer our thoughts and prayers to those who have lost loved ones.

Question: ... China is going to impose legislation on martial law and do you think this sort of legislation will undermine the confidence of Hong Kong people?