Donald Tsang Yam-kuen took his oath of office as Chief Executive
of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) before Chinese
Premier Wen
Jiabao at 9:00 AM Friday in Beijing.
The ceremony was presided over by Hua Jianmin, state councilor
and secretary-general of the State Council, in the Hong Kong hall
of the Great Hall of the People. The Chinese national anthem
resounded in the background. Hua read out State Council Decree No.
437, which formally appoints Tsang Chief Executive of Hong Kong
SAR.
Premier Wen presented the letter of appointment from the Central
Government to Tsang.
Wen then offered Tsang his congratulations, and recited the old
Chinese saying, "The task is arduous and the road ahead is long" as
encouragement. He expressed the hope that Tsang would live up to
the expectations and hopes of the mainland and the Hong Kong
people.
Wen added that he deeply believed Tsang would earnestly
implement the Basic Law of Hong Kong and lead the SAR government
and the Hong Kong people to increased prosperity and stability.
Tsang showed his appreciation for the appointment by saying that
it was an honor to take the post of Chief Executive, which gives
him an opportunity to better serve the Hong Kong people and the
mainland.
He said he will spare no efforts in working towards Hong Kong's
bright future and the happiness of the Hong Kong people.
Also present at the ceremony were Vice Premier Wu Yi, State
Councilor Tang Jiaxuan and Liao Hui, director of the Hong Kong and
Macao Affairs Office of the State Council.
Elsie Leung Oi-sie, Secretary for Justice of the Hong Kong
government, Stephen Lam Sui-lung, secretary for Constitutional
Affairs of the Hong Kong government, as well as Tsang's wife,
Salina Tsang Pow Siu-mei, were also in attendance.
(Xinhua News Agency June 24, 2005)
