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Speech by the Chief ExecutiveWednesday, July 9, 1997
Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, the Honourable Tung Chee Hwa, to the Ninth Assembly of the Lutheran World Federation today (Wednesday):
Dr Brakemeier, Dr Noko, delegates, guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Let me begin by welcoming you personally to Hong Kong as you commence your Ninth Assembly. I understand this year also marks the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Lutheran World Federation, and I congratulate you on achieving this milestone.
We in Hong Kong have entered a new era just over a week ago. On July 1, after 156 years of separation, Hong Kong celebrated joyfully its reunification with China. The historic event filled Hong Kong people with pride and confidence. Pride because for the first time in our history, Hong Kong people took on the solemn responsibility of managing our own affairs. Confidence because we know that under the "one country, two systems" concept Hong Kong will be even better tomorrow. Indeed the smooth and peaceful handover of the territory represents a new testament to the vision and ingenuity of the architects of the "one country, two systems" concept.
Under the Basic Law, which provides the constitutional framework for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China has granted Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy and has guaranteed the continuation of its previous systems and way of life for many years to come. We, the people of Hong Kong, value this empowerment very deeply, and we are determined to discharge our responsibilities earnestly and prudently.
The HKSAR Government will preserve the existing freedoms and lifestyle, and ensure that the people of Hong Kong will continue to enjoy the freedoms of speech, assembly, association, the press and other freedoms guaranteed by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. One of the important freedoms that my Government will preserve is, of course, the freedom of religion. Article 141 of the Basic Law clearly stipulates that the HKSAR Government shall not restrict the freedom of religious belief, interfere in the internal affairs of religious organisations or restrict religious activities which do not contravene the laws of Hong Kong. The property rights and interests of religious organisations shall be maintained and protected. The same Article also provides that religious organisations may, according to their previous practice, continue to run seminaries and other schools, hospitals and welfare institutions and to provide other social services. Religious organisations and believers in the HKSAR may maintain and develop their relations with religious organisations and believers elsewhere.
I am very pleased that the Lutheran World Federation has decided to hold its Ninth Assembly in Hong Kong. It demonstrated eloquently your full confidence in the future of Hong Kong. And I would like to extend to all of you my warmest wishes and congratulations for a very fruitful and successful conference.
Thank you.
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