Tung made the pledge as he proposed a toast for Hong Kong's future
with about 1,000 guests at an official reception marking the birthday of the
establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR).
Hong Kong Chief
Executive Tung Chee-hwa speaks to reporters at Hong
Kong government headquarters Thursday, July 1, 2004.
[AP] |
He said the past year was a severe test for
the government. Yet "thanks to the staunch support of the central government and
the concerted efforts of all citizens, we have managed to tide over all
difficulties and Hong Kong has now turned the corner."
Tung said he was confident that Hong Kong's future would be even better.
The day of celebrations started at 8 am at Golden Bauhinia Square with the
hoisting of the national and SAR flags to the national anthem in a solemn
ceremony witnessed by about 3,000 dignitaries and representatives from all
districts.
Four helicopters flew over the venue in formation and a fireboat, splashing
water, passed in Victoria Harbour.
Led by Tung, the ceremony was attended by top officials, including the
Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong,
Gao Siren, the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong,
Yang Wenchang, and the Commander of the People's Liberation Army Hong Kong
Garrison, Wang Jitang.
Local deputies to the National People's Congress and members of the National
Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference -- along
with legislators and members of the consular corps -- also attended.
Shortly afterwards, at a reception, Tung said the successful implementation
of "one country, two systems" had landed Hong Kong in a new phase of historical
development.
He said Hong Kong was at its most difficult moment this time last year after
six years of economic restructuring and the outbreak of SARS, or severe acute
respiratory syndrome.
Tung said Hong Kong had witnessed a strong rebound in the economy and
increased public confidence in its future.
He said there was still room for improvement as many people have yet to gain
from the economic rebound.
Constitutional development will move forward in a gradual and orderly manner
in accordance with the Basic Law, with the ultimate aim of universal suffrage.
Visit to PLA barracks
About 15,000 people visited the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Hong
Kong Garrison barracks Thursday as part of the celebration.
A PLA officer
demonstrates his weapon to a visiting schoolgirl in the PLA
Hong Kong Garrison barrack in Stanley on Thursday, June 1, 2004.
[newsphoto] |
At Stonecutters' Island naval
base and the barracks in Shek Kong and Stanley, citizens of all ages attended a
national flag-raising ceremony, boarded military ships, and got the chance to
examine helicopters and various weapons.
They also watched military training, singing and dancing performances as well
as acrobatic shows. Many visitors took photos with PLA soldiers.
The opening to the public by the army camps has become a channel for Hong
Kong citizens to know more about the PLA soldiers' military training, their
study and daily life.
Demonstration in HK
Meanwhile, Xinhua reported that a demonstration took place at
Victoria Park Thursday afternoon.
Demonstrators gathered at the park at 2:30 pm and marched along streets,
causing traffic jams.
The Chinese central government has made various efforts to maintain Hong
Kong's stability and prosperity, including signing the closer Economic
Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) with Hong Kong and opening to the public the
barracks of the Hong Kong Garrison of the People's Liberation Army.
In addition, the central government allowed the banks of Hong Kong to run
Renminbi service and eased the restrictions on the mainland travelers to Hong
Kong. It also promoted to establish the Pan-Pearl River Delta co-operation
framework, which was signed by Hong Kong, Macao and eight provincial areas of
the mainland earlier last month.
All these moves received welcome and support by Hong Kong
residents.
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