Attachment 1: Press Release by Eric Li on Saturday, 5th July, 2003 (Translated version)

I paid a visit to Beijing yesterday morning (Friday, 4th July, 2003) and had sought a meeting with the Minister of Hong Kong and Macau Affairs, Mr. Liao Fai. After a short meeting with Mr. Liao, I met with the Deputy Minister, Mr. Tsui Chak for a more in-depth discussion. I returned to Hong Kong in the same evening.

The topics of discussion with the two officials had mainly focused on the serious concerns that professionals and their LegCo Representatives held on the process and contents of the NSO and the operation of the Government’s responsibility system. We also exchanged views on possible solutions to the problems which included the deferment of the legislative process or to propose amendments to the contentious areas of the NSO. These are proscription, the police powers to search without warrant and the use of public interest as a defense. I strongly emphasized the importance of respecting the input from professionals in the legislative process. I had further suggested that the NSO issue should be resolved as quickly as possible and that in the near term, the Administration should also consider seriously to conduct a genuine review on the way that the ‘Responsible Official system’ had been working as well as a possible reshuffle as the result. In the longer term, the economic doldrums of Hong Kong must also be tackled in earnest.

During the conversations, I reaffirmed the views held by many independent legislators that we basically support a National Security Law as an objective. The officials had listened very attentively. They then expressed support of the position taken by the HKSAR Government and urged that legislators should communicate more with the HKSAR Government lead by Mr. C H Tung.

For those interested reporters, please meet me at the LegCo press room at 2:30pm today.