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DEMOCRATS URGE CHIEF EXECUTIVE TO CONSULT DEMOCRATICALLY-ELECTED 3 May,99 RE: RIGHT OF ABODE The Democratic Party today asked the Tung Administration not to act on growing concern about the right of abode issue until after the Chief Executive has met with Hong Kong's democratically-elected representatives. Democratic Party Chairman Martin Lee made the request after Mr. Tung's office declined to schedule a meeting with the Democrats this week, citing a busy schedule and an overseas trip from May 8-16. The text of Mr. Lee's letter follows. May 3, 1999 Dear Mr. Chief Executive: I am in receipt of your Private Secretary's letter declining a meeting with the Democratic Party on the right of abode issue until after May 16. This is very disappointing in view of the importance of the issue and its urgency which the government has in no small part created with the release of the survey figures last week. I respectfully request that the Executive Council take no decision on this matter until you have had time to meet personally with the Hong Kong people's democratically-elected representatives. My colleagues and I will appreciate an appointment with you as soon as possible after your return from your May 8-16 trip. In the meantime, we would appreciate a briefing from the Secretary for Justice. Thank you. Sincerely, Martin Lee |