Three Documents On Macao Transition Adopted ����Three documents dealing with Macao's transition were adopted at the 5th Plenary Meeting of the Preparatory Committee for the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) in Beijing yesterday, its final day. ����They are: The Method of Choosing the Candidates for the First Chief Executive of the Macao SAR; Implementing the Second Clause of Article 24 of the Basic Law of the Macao SAR; and the Provisional Methods for Using the Regional Flag and Emblem of the Macao SAR. ����Vice-Premier Qian Qichen, who is chairman of the Preparatory Committee, said that selecting a candidate who is acceptable to all Macao residents in accordance with the Basic Law of the Macao SAR is an important guarantee for the smooth transition and transfer of the power of Macao. ����The election will also be significant for implementing the Basic Law and the "one country, two systems" principle in the Macao SAR, he said, adding that the document fully reflects the principle of fairness, impartiality, openness, democracy, and honesty, and that he believes Macao residents will be satisfied with it. ����Qian said that the 2nd clause of Article 24 of the Basic Law relates to the permanent residency status of Macao residents, and after repeated discussion by the Preparatory Committee, it will help encourage Macao residents to stay there and work for the region. ����Qian said that this year is crucial to the return of Macao to the motherland and will outline the major tasks of the Preparatory Committee for the new year. ����Preparatory Committee members will form the Selection Committee for the First SAR Government, select candidates for the first Chief Executive, determine the positions of principal officials of the SAR government, and decide on a framework for governmental institutions. ����In addition, the members will work out election or transition methods for the first legislature and judiciary of the Macao SAR, examine Macao's existing laws, and help form an unofficial committee responsible for celebrating Macao's return. ����Qian emphasized that the smooth transition and transfer of power of Macao are the responsibility of both China and Portugal and he asked Portuguese Macao authorities to take steps to improve security in Macao, and pledged his support in this. ����He expressed the hope that both sides will continue negotiation and cooperation on the transition issues like the localization of senior civil servants, the handover ceremony, the garrison, and Macao's budget for the year 2000. ���� HomeNews 1999-01-17 Page1 Full Story in Chinese