CE seeks timely hostage incident response
November 05, 2013
The Hong Kong Government will take action if substantial progress is not made over the Manila hostage-taking incident within a month, Chief Executive CY Leung says.
Speaking to reporters today before attending an Executive Council meeting, Mr Leung said since his formal meeting with Philippine President
Benigno Aquino in Bali a month ago, the Hong Kong Government has held official discussions separately with the Philippine Government and Manila's representative.
These talks' objective, he said, is to work out a satisfactory response to the victims' and bereaved families' four demands.
"We have seen some progress but we still have a long way to go. I fully understand the disappointment among the victims and the families, which is shared by the community at large."
The Government will continue talks, he said, and urged the Philippine Government and Manila to make a concrete and timely response. Otherwise, the incident will continue to stand between the two governments and people of both places.
Several Legislative Council members have moved motions for sanctions against the Philippines, and these will be debated tomorrow.
"While we appreciate efforts on the part of the Philippine Government and the City of Manila, and while we are committed to continuing our talks with both, I now announce that the Hong Kong Government would take necessary actions, unless substantial progress is made within one month," Mr Leung said.
