Blair voices confidence HK residents' concerns being heeded
( 2003-07-23 14:08) (Xinhua and Agencies)
British Prime Minister Tony Blair said that he was confident China's top
leaders and Hong Kong's chief executive Tung Chee-hwa were sincerely paying heed
to Hong Kong residents' deep concerns over a controversial new security
law.
Visiting British Prime Minister
Tony Blair (L) chats with Hong Kong Cheif Executive Tung Chee-hwa in Hong
Kong July 23, 2003. [Reuters] |
After a meeting with Hong Kong's Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa Wednesday
morning, Blair said:"I think there is a sense certainly that I have that the
authorities here are very much listening to what people say and that everyone
wants to move forward in a situation where we maintain the essential stability
that is a crucial part of the success of Hong Kong."
"I found the Chinese leadership, when I was discussing Hong Kong with them,
very much aware of the need to handle the situation sensitively and in
accordance with the guarantees that have been given to the people here in Hong
Kong," he said.
During the meeting, which Blair described
as "a very good session of talks", Tung told Blair how Hong Kong had
bounced back with resilience and vigor after containing the SARS outbreak.
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British Prime Minister Tony Blair
arrives with his wife Cheri at Hong Kong's Chek Lap Kok airport from
Shanghai, 22 July 2003.
[newsphoto.com.cn]
|
Both of them noted the successful implementation of the "One Country, Two
Systems" principle in Hong Kong over the past six years, and that despite the
recent difficulties, Hong Kong had coped well.
Tung also talked about the new opportunities brought about by the
Mainland/Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement and the enhanced
cooperation between Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta region.
Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang, acting Finance Secretary
Stephen Ip, Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology Henry Tang,
Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food Yeoh Eng-kiong and Director of the Chief
Executive's Office W.K. Lam also attended the meeting.
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