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In view of the unstable situation in East Timor, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will arrange a chartered flight to send Chinese citizens back to China on May 29, 2006.
A spokesman for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government said the HKSAR Government, the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR and the Chinese Embassy in the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste had been maintaining close liaison and monitoring the development of the situation.
It is understood that the Chinese Embassy has established contacts with Hong Kong residents in East Timor and would provide all practicable assistance to the residents concerned.
The spokesman said the HKSAR Government, the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR and the Chinese Embassy would continue to maintain close liaison and monitor the development of the situation.
Up to now, the Immigration Department has not received any request for assistance from Hong Kong residents.
Hong Kong residents who need assistance may contact the duty officer of the Chinese Embassy in the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste at (670) 3325168 / 7231918 or call the Hong Kong Immigration Department's 24-hour hotline at (852) 1868.
Ends/Sunday, May 28, 2006
Issued at HKT 21:13
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