XN000022-1997-01-25+26 — Page 2

- I I .

Governor's remarks on release of Xi Yang

The following is issued on behalf of the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten:

"I am delighted at the news that Mr Xi Yang has been released from prison and is now back in Hong Kong. His case has caused great anxiety and concern to his family, his colleagues and the whole community. His release is very good news for Hong Kong as we approach the Chinese New Year."

End

Statement by the Governor:

In response to media enquiries about the meeting of the provisional "legislature" in Shenzhen today, the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten said:

"This was a bad day for Hong Kong. The organisation that met over the border in Shenzhen has no legitimacy, no credibility and no authority in Hong Kong. I hope it will not embarrass Hong Kong too much."

End

Governor's transcript

The following is the transcript of the remarks made by the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, after visiting the fire scene in Tsim Sha Tsui this (Saturday) morning:

Governor: This is another dreadful accident. As you know there are at least fifteen deaths, a number of injuries. I'd like to offer my condolences to the families of the young victims. Their sufferings today is, for all of us who are parents, I am sure almost literally unimaginable. I'd like to thank the Fire Services for reacting so rapidly to this incident, surrounding which, as you know already, there are certainly suspicious circumstances. I am going to the hospitals to see some of the families and to thank the medical staff. There'll be a press conference given by the Secretary for Security and other officials at 12 noon, by which time I hope we will have found out a little more about this dreadful incident. Obviously, we'll spare no effort to find out exactly what the causes of the fire were. But for the time being, I think every one in Hong Kong will want to join me in offering their thoughts and prayers to families of the bereaved.

End