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Transcript of the Deputy to the Governor's media session

The following is a transcript of the media session by the Deputy to the Governor, Mrs Anson Chan, after visiting the Australian International School today (Friday):

Question: (on stationing of PLA troops in Hong Kong before July 1, 1997)

Deputy to the Governor: The question of the advance party. The Chinese did give us a briefing on this recently but we hope that the Chinese side will be able to provide more details about what they have in mind and on the basis of those details we will clearly continue to discuss this issue with the Chinese side. We have not at this stage reached any understanding on this issue.

Question: Why don't you run for the Chief Executive. It's only a days away for applications.

Deputy to the Governor: I think you know my views on this very well. It remains my wish to continue to serve the people of Hong Kong after 1997 if circumstances permit.

Question: ... the debate of Parliament on Thursday.. setting up the Hong Kong future trade office. What is there to debate and what's the Hong Kong Government's input on that?

Deputy to the Governor: On the trade office? I am not aware of the debate on the trade office.

Question: On the ETO.

Deputy to the Governor: I don't think there is anything particular to debate. I think it is a fact that we will establish the economic and trade office in London. There is a question of the privileges and immunities. But I don't think that there is any particular controversy on that front.

Question: The opinion polls still consistently show you to be the most popular public figure in Hong Kong. Will you therefore put your name forward as a possible candidate of Chief Executive?

Deputy to the Governor: I am very grateful for the community's support. I will simply repeat what I said earlier in reply to another question and that is it remains my wish to continue to serve the people of Hong Kong after 1997 if circumstances permit. I do accept of course that it is not for me to say whether I will remain as Chief Secretary after 1997. Thank you.

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