SECRETARY-GENERAL VISITS HONG KONG

Press Release
SG/T/2103

SECRETARY-GENERAL VISITS HONG KONG

HONG KONG, 30 June -- Secretary-General Kofi Annan met today with the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Tung Chee-hwa. They discussed Hong Kong's financial future and the forthcoming elections next May. Mr. Tung talked about the importance of an accountable government and the rule of law in order to preserve the formula for the economic and social success of Hong Kong.

The Secretary-General then met with the Chairman of the Democratic Party, Martin Lee, the largest opposition group. They had met a year ago. They discussed many of the concerns that the opposition has: corruption coming in, repression, loss of freedom and human rights and press freedom. However, Mr. Lee stated that "it is the beginning and we must be optimistic despite our misgivings". The Secretary-General encouraged him not to prejudge the Chinese and watch what they do.

This afternoon, the Secretary-General attended the outdoors ceremony marking the end of British adminstration which was followed by fireworks. Then he went to the pre-hand-over reception and banquet hosted by the Principal Secretary of State for Foreign and Colonial Affairs. At 11:40 p.m., he went to the hand-over ceremony hosted jointly by the United Kingdom and China. At 1:30 a.m. he participated at the inauguration ceremony hosted by China.

* *** *