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Following is a joint statement issued today (April 23) between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines concerning the Quirino Grandstand Incident:
Pursuant to the agreement of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), C Y Leung, and Philippine President Benigno S Aquino III to work towards a mutually satisfactory conclusion to the Quirino Grandstand Incident which took place on 23 August 2010, the HKSAR Government and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines have agreed that the four demands made by the victims and their families on apology, compensation, sanctions against responsible officials and individuals, and tourist safety measures will be resolved and settled as follows.
The Philippine Government expresses its most sorrowful regret and profound sympathy, and extends its most sincere condolences for the pain and suffering of the victims and their families. The Police Director General of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines has written to all victims or their families.
In the spirit of solidarity and in acknowledgement of the loss of the victims and their families, an additional token of solidarity will be given to the victims or their families as a most sincere gesture of compassion of the people of the Philippines.
The Philippine Government has assured the HKSAR Government that measures are being undertaken to hold to account those responsible and to see the outstanding proceedings conclude as soon as possible. Details on the administrative and criminal proceedings pursued are set out in Annex A. The Philippine Government undertakes to keep the HKSAR Government informed of progress made in resolving the outstanding proceedings.
The Philippine Government has assured the HKSAR Government that it is committed to ensuring that such an incident will not occur again. Details on the measures implemented to guarantee the welfare and safety of those visiting the Philippines are set out in Annex B.
Ends/Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Issued at HKT 15:45
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