XN000022-1995-12-28 — Page 3

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Transcript of CS's media session

The following is the transcript of the Chief Secretary, Mrs Anson Chan's media session after attending the opening ceremony of the HK International Salon of Photography Exhibition at City Hall today (Thursday):

Question: What will the Government be prepared to offer to the Preparatory Committee?

Chief Secretary: We would hope to co-operate with the Preparatory Committee in every way that we can. Of course, the details how the Preparatory Committee will go about its work still needs discussions with the Chinese. But as you know, we are setting up a Liaison Office which will be a focal point of contact between the Secretariat of the Preparatory Committee and the Government. The Liaison Office will be staffed with a small team of officials. Most of the work, in fact, will be done by the individual Branches depending on the information that the Preparatory Committee requires. But details still need discussing with the Chinese.

Question: How should they operate in order to win their credibility?

CS: How should they operate? I don't think it is for me to suggest. I am sure that the Preparatory Committee and all members of the Preparatory Committee will wish to as fully as possible reflect the views of the Hong Kong people and that they, like us, would wish to work for a smooth transition and to ensure Hong Kong's continuous prosperity and stability.

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Governor to have week-long holiday with family

The Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, will leave Hong Kong on Saturday (December 30) to spend a week-long holiday in the Philippines with his family. He will return to Hong Kong on January 6.

During his absence, the Chief Secretary, Mrs Anson Chan, will be Deputy to the Governor.

End