XN000022-1997-03-28+29 — Page 7

Transcript of the Chief Secretary's media session

Following is the transcript of the media session by the Chief Secretary, Mrs Anson Chan, after a dinner hosted by the Trade Development Council in Beijing last (Friday) night:

Chief Secretary: I was very glad to have the opportunity this morning to meet with Premier Li Peng and with the Vice-Premier Li Lanqing. The Premier spoke about Hong Kong's position and his view that Hong Kong will continue to prosper. He also mentioned that Vice President Gore when he visited China spoke to him about Hong Kong, and in particular stressed the importance of the rule of law in order to maintain Hong Kong's stability and prosperity. And the Premier said he entirely agreed with this view. I took the opportunity to express to the Premier the appreciation of the entire Hong Kong civil service in the faith and trust that Chinese leaders had put in Hong Kong civil servants, particularly the fact that Mr Tung, in this nomination of principal officials, was able to obtain the complete acceptance of Chinese leaders and all serving principal officials would continue to serve the SAR Government after 1997. I said that this had considerably boosted the morale within the civil service. On our part, all principal officials are determined to help Mr Tung in any way we can in order to assist him in preparing for the assumption of duties on July 1st, and in order that we can implement the one country two systems and a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong. The Premier also mentioned that Hong Kong will continue to play a very important bridging role in so far as its position as very important financial and service centre is concerned. He did not think that this role would be replaced by Shanghai.

End

Public welcome to sit in on BA's meeting

The Codes of Practice Committee of the Broadcasting Authority will hold its fourth meeting on Wednesday (April 2).

The Committee has been set up to review the codes of practice relating to programme, advertising and technical standards for broadcasting services and to make recommendations to the Broadcasting Authority regarding amendments to the codes.