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Both the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG) and the public respect and treasure freedom of the press and freedom of speech in Hong Kong, a Government spokesman said today (February 23) when responding to the public procession organised by some press associations.
The spokesman noted that the Chief Executive had publicly stated that both the HKSARG and he himself had attached great importance to Hong Kong's freedom of the press and freedom of speech all along in the past and would continue to do so now and in the future.
"As freedom of the press and freedom of speech are the major elements in sustaining Hong Kong's status as an international metropolis and continuous development, the HKSARG will continue to strive to safeguard these vital core values," the spokesman said.
On the concern expressed by the community towards the staff changes in individual media organisations in recent years, the spokesman stressed that the HKSARG would not and could not interfere with the editorial freedom, independent operation and internal management of media organisations.
Ends/Sunday, February 23, 2014
Issued at HKT 16:06
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