Xinhua News Agency Macao Branch Holds New Spring Festival Reception 　　A senior Chinese official said in Macao on Tuesday that China will unswervingly carry out the " one country, two systems" principle in Macao and implement well the Macao Basic Law in the future Special Administrative Region ( SAR). 　　Wang Qiren, director of the Xinhua News Agency Macao Branch, made the remark at a grand reception to mark the new spring. Some 1,500 people attended the reception. 　　"We firmly believe that Macao will achieve smooth transition and steady transfer of power under the guidance of the 'one country, two systems' principle and the Macao Basic Law, with continued cooperation between China and Portugal, and with the concerted efforts of the Macao people," he said. 　　The director said that the Chinese government will resume exercise of sovereignty over Macao in 300 days. "Although there are some historical and current problems which are in dire need of settlement, the overall trend is that Macao continues to move toward a smooth transition." 　　"In the upcoming 300 days, we will continue to address ourselves to various issues in Macao's transitional period. In particular, we should do a good job in the construction of the Macao SAR and preparations for the handover ceremony and relevant celebrating activities," Wang Qiren said. 　　At the reception, Macao Governor Vasco Rocha Vieira said that the new year will bring about new outlook in Macao. 　　He noted that China and Portugal signed the Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration 12 years ago to resolve the Macao question. Since that time, the two countries have been working in a peaceful atmosphere, and such an atmosphere will be carried on in the future. 　　There is no doubt that China and Portugal have been sharing friendship, and have been making efforts to safeguard Macao's benefits and stability with mutual understanding, the governor said. HomeNews 1999-02-24 Page4 Full Story in Chinese