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An agreement on transfer of sentenced persons (TSP) was signed yesterday (November 9, Paris time) between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and France in Paris.
The Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Communities, Mr Duncan Pescod and the Director for Asia and Oceania of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Herve Ladsous, represented the two jurisdictions at the signing ceremony.
"The transfer of sentenced persons to their place of origin, by returning them to an environment free of language and cultural barriers and where their friends and relatives can visit regularly, is conducive to their rehabilitation. It is the HKSAR Government's policy to facilitate such transfers between the HKSAR and other places," a spokesman for the HKSAR Government said.
This is the 11th TSP Agreement the HKSAR has signed with other jurisdictions. The other 10 jurisdictions that already have such agreements with the HKSAR are: the United States, the United Kingdom, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Italy, the Philippines, Portugal, Australia, Belgium and the Macao Special Administrative Region.
"The signing of this agreement signifies another step forward in the co-operation between France and the HKSAR in the matter of criminal justice and international law enforcement," the spokesman said.
Hong Kong and France have already signed an agreement on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.
The TSP Agreement will come into force on the first day of the second month after both sides have notified each other in writing that their respective requirements for entry into force of the agreement have been complied with. Thereupon, Hong Kong residents imprisoned in France may apply to serve the remainder of their sentences in Hong Kong, and vice versa.
Ends/Friday, November 10, 2006
Issued at HKT 09:34
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