XN000022-1997-04-15 — Page 4

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HK/US agreements signed

Hong Kong and the United States signed two agreements today (Tuesday), one on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and the other on the transfer of sentenced persons.

The agreements were signed by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, on behalf of the Hong Kong Government and the Consul General of the United States to Hong Kong, Mr Richard Boucher, on behalf of the US Government.

The Agreement on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons (TSP Agreement) is the first agreement which Hong Kong has signed on international cooperation in the enforcement of penal sentences.

The Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (MLA Agreement) is the second agreement which Hong Kong has signed on international cooperation against crime. The first one was signed with Australia in September 1996.

The MLA Agreement contains all the essential features and safeguards for international agreements of this type. The major kinds of assistance comprehended by the Agreement are :

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taking of evidence;

searching for and seizing items which are relevant to criminal matters;

producing documentary evidence relevant to criminal matters;

transferring persons (including prisoners) between the Hong Kong and the US jurisdictions to provide assistance;

confiscating the proceeds of crime; and

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serving documents.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr Lai said, "Hong Kong is a major law enforcement partner of the US in East Asia and our Government is determined to continue this partnership.