The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (December 6) expressed deep regret over the spreading of untrue claims overseas in recent days by several members of the Legislative Council (LegCo) and political figures who urged foreign governments or legislatures to interfere with the affairs of the HKSAR, and made the following response:
 
     "Since the return to the Motherland, the HKSAR has been exercising 'one country, two systems', 'Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong' and a high degree of autonomy in strict accordance with the Basic Law of the HKSAR of the People's Republic of China. Hong Kong's human rights and freedoms, including the freedom of speech, of assembly, of the press, of publication, of religion and so on, have been fully protected since the return to the Motherland.
 
     "In the past few months, many demonstrations and public meetings that were proceeding peacefully changed into violent and illegal clashes, resulting in damage to local and community facilities. Some politicians in Hong Kong openly supported the United States' 'Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act', and suggested similar legislation in other countries or regions with the intent to demand foreign intervention in Hong Kong affairs. This only conveys the wrong message to violent protesters and misleads them into thinking they have gained the support from other countries or regions. These politicians must bear the responsibility for society descending into chaos.
 
     "From June this year until now, there have been over 900 demonstrations, processions and public meetings. Some political figures freely took part in these assemblies and processions and conducted media interviews without any restrictions. Ironically, they are also the ones who incessantly criticise the HKSAR Government for suppressing freedom. On the other hand, the District Council Election took place smoothly on November 24. Candidates with different views actively took part and many were successfully elected. It is therefore clear that their rights and freedom have never been stifled.

     "We urge these Hong Kong politicians, who wantonly smear our city's reputation, to treasure Hong Kong's freedom. The entire society should say no to violence and persuade protesters to express their views in a peaceful manner, to prevent peaceful protests from mutating to violent confrontations, and to stop depriving people with different opinions the freedom to live a normal life, to voice their discontent against violence and to take photos of rioters' destructive acts.  
 
     "These irresponsible politicians, who make prejudicial and false statements about the conditions of human rights and freedom in Hong Kong, mislead people into thinking human rights and freedoms are being suppressed in the city. If such comments tarnish the international reputation of Hong Kong, they would also take a toll on investor confidence, exert more pressure on Hong Kong's economy, and ultimately make society and the general public suffer.

     "'One country, two systems' is the best arrangement to maintain Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability and to make Hong Kong a favourable place in which to live and work. The HKSAR Government will resolutely continue to implement the 'one country, two systems' principle. The HKSAR Government urges the relevant figures to stop all acts showing contempt towards 'one country, two systems' which disregard the interests of the country and Hong Kong."
 

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (December 6) that Tung Chung Swimming Pool in Islands District has been temporarily closed for cleaning and superchlorination following the discovery of a small amount of faeces in the pool.

     It will be reopened at 6.30am tomorrow.

     The department appeals to swimmers to be considerate and to keep the swimming pools clean. They are advised not to swim after a full meal and should use the toilet facilities if necessary before swimming.

     The Transport Department (TD) today (December 6) said that after continual repairs during the past week, a cumulative total of 680 sets of traffic lights have resumed normal operation.
 
     About 730 sets of traffic lights in various districts have been damaged to varying degrees since June. The damage in October and November has been more serious than in earlier months, with a number of controllers and components damaged. In cases where such facilities were burnt, underground cables would have to be replaced, thus affecting the progress of repairs. Owing to the collaborative efforts of various departments during recent months, an additional 30 sets of traffic lights have resumed normal operation this week, including parts of those at major road junctions in Yau Tsim Mong, Sham Shui Po and Yuen Long Districts. As at 6pm today, the number of traffic lights yet to be repaired has been reduced to around 50 sets, including those at junctions along Nathan Road and Argyle Street in Mong Kok. Relevant departments are now working at full speed to repair the remaining damaged traffic lights and, where circumstances permit, will strive to complete most of the remaining repair works over the next two weeks.

     Since traffic lights near Nathan Road in Mong Kok have repeatedly been damaged, with the most severe occurring last week, repair works took a longer time to complete. The TD has already placed temporary traffic lights at two major road junctions (Nathan Road/Waterloo Road and Nathan Road/Mong Kok Road) with traffic control measures to direct traffic and enhance road safety. Temporary traffic control measures have also been implemented at some road junctions where traffic lights were damaged and protection works for traffic light controllers have also been strengthened. In addition, notices have been mounted on damaged traffic light posts to alert pedestrians to pay attention when crossing the road.

     The TD urges motorists and pedestrians to be patient and pay attention to road safety when passing through the affected junctions. For the safety of road users, the TD again appeals to members of the public to stop damaging traffic lights and other road facilities.

    

     The Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Nicholas W Yang, and the Vice Mayor of Shenzhen Municipality, Mr Ai Xuefeng, co-chaired the sixth meeting of the Joint Task Force on the Development of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park in the Loop in Shenzhen today (December 6).
 
     Both sides received a briefing on the work progress by the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Limited (HSITPL). Representatives from the Shenzhen Government introduced the latest development of the Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Zone. The meeting also discussed the works progress of supporting infrastructure in the Lok Ma Chau Loop and updated progress on the bioremediation for sediment treatment in the Shenzhen River of Main Works Package 1. They also exchanged views on construction arrangements.
 
     To facilitate Batch 1 development, the HSITPL is conducting two consultancy studies, namely the technical feasibility study and the economic impact analysis study of Batch 1 development.
 
     As for supporting infrastructure works, the Advance Works of the Loop are in good progress. If everything goes smoothly, the target of making the first batch of land parcels available by 2021 for the Loop remains unchanged and the first building can hopefully be completed in 2023.
 
     As regards the bioremediation for sediment treatment in the Shenzhen River, the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) has commenced relevant work for the on-site pilot test, and will continue to closely co-ordinate and share the results of the test with the Shenzhen River Regulation Office of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government. The CEDD will also discuss with the Shenzhen side on the detailed arrangement of collaborating in carrying out bioremediation for sediment treatment in a river section adjacent/near to the Lok Ma Chau Loop.
 
     Other officials of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government attending the meeting today included the Permanent Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Ms Annie Choi; the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Ms Rebecca Pun; and representatives from the Development Bureau, the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau, the Education Bureau, the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, the Innovation and Technology Commission, and the CEDD.

     Police will implement special traffic arrangements in Causeway Bay and Tin Hau to facilitate the holding of the Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo in Victoria Park from December 10 to 31.

     The following roads will be pedestrianised daily from 4pm to midnight on weekdays, and from 12 noon to midnight on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays during the period:

– Lockhart Road east of Cannon Street;
– East Point Road; and
– Great George Street west of Paterson Street.

     The following traffic arrangements may be implemented partially or at the same time depending on the traffic and crowd conditions:

(I)
– Southbound Gloucester Road between Kingston Street and Causeway Road will be closed;
– Sugar Street will be closed;
– Traffic along Victoria Park Road flyover will be diverted to westbound Gloucester Road; and
– Traffic along eastbound Yee Wo Street cannot enter Sugar Street.

(II)
– Northbound Gloucester Road between Kingston Street and Causeway Road will be closed, except for northbound traffic from Tai Hang Road flyover; and
– Traffic along northbound Tai Hang Road flyover cannot turn left to westbound Kingston Street.

(III)
– Great George Street will be closed;
– Paterson Street between Kingston Street and Great George Street will be closed;
– Westbound Kingston Street between northbound Gloucester Road and Paterson Street will be closed;
– Traffic along Paterson Street will be diverted to eastbound Kingston Street; and
– Traffic along Cleveland Street will be diverted to eastbound Kingston Street.

(IV)
– Cleveland Street will be closed;
– Paterson Street between Kingston Street and westbound Gloucester Road will be closed;
– Eastbound Kingston Street between northbound Gloucester Road and Paterson Street will be closed; and
– Traffic along westbound Gloucester Road cannot enter Cleveland Street and Paterson Street.

(V)
– Hing Fat Street will be intermittently closed, except for franchised buses and green minibuses;
– Electric Road between Yacht Street and Hing Fat Street will be intermittently closed, except for taxis and vehicles accessing Park Towers;
– Lau Li Street between Hing Fat Street and Ngan Mok Street will be intermittently closed;
– The lay-by at northbound Hing Fat Street near Lau Li Street will be suspended; and
– Traffic along Causeway Road cannot enter Hing Fat Street.

Suspension of parking spaces
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     The Hing Fat Street public car park will be suspended from 9am to 8.59pm daily on December 7, 8, 10 to 30; from 8am to 8.59pm on December 9; and from 9am on December 31 to 8.59am the following day, except for the disabled parking spaces.

     During the road closure period, vehicles may not be allowed to access or leave car parks at Great George Street and Park Lane Hotel.

     Vehicles found illegally parked within the precinct of the special traffic arrangements will be ticketed or towed away without prior warning.

     Actual implementation of the traffic arrangements will be made depending on traffic and crowd conditions in the area. Motorists are advised to exercise tolerance and patience and take heed of instructions of the Police on site.