XN000022-1996-04-18 — Page 24

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The DSU provides that WTO members should try to resolve disputes within 30 days from the date of a complaint. Having been extended by mutual agreement between Hong Kong and Turkey to April 17, the consultation period in this case had expired.

"Hong Kong is now considering the way forward. We have reserved our rights to pursue the matter further in accordance with relevant provisions of the multilateral trade agreements, including a request for the establishment of a dispute settlement panel," Mrs Lai added.

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Purchase of office accommodation for HKETO in Washington

A spokesman for the Trade and Industry Branch regretted the sensational but incorrect report published today (Thursday) in a local newspaper that the Government was purchasing a permanent office for the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Washington secretly without seeking the voting of funds from the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council.

"It is publicly known Government policy to house HKETOs in owned premises. This is more economical in the long term and will ensure security of tenure not otherwise available in leased accommodation," the spokesman said.

The purchase of permanent accommodation for each overseas office has to be approved by the Finance Committee. To date, five HKETOs are already housed in owned accommodation and funds have already been voted for the purchase of accommodation for another four HKETOS.

"In the case of the HKETO in Washington, the purchase of accommodation was approved by the Finance Committee on July 28, 1995. As meetings of the Finance Committee are open to the public, there is no question of the matter being handled 'secretly' without public knowledge," the government spokesman said.

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