The State Council announced in Beijing Tuesady that China welcomes overseas journalists to cover the grand celebrations marking the Chinese government's resumption of sovereignty over Macao which will be held in several Chinese cities around December 20.

　 The Information Office of the State Council said journalists from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan and foreign reporters are welcomed to cover celebrations in the cities of Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Chongqing and Zhuhai, and some other places of Guangdong Province.

　 During the celebrations for Macao's return, a press center for the event will be established in Beijing.

　 The press center will help overseas journalists cover the celebrations at all locations, and accept applications from them.

　 The press center will be established at the All-China Journalists Association and the application date for journalists is between October 25 and December 5.

　 Hong Kong and Macao journalists can submit their applications to the Hong Kong and Macao branches of the Xinhua News Agency, and Taiwan journalists can apply through the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council.

　 Foreign journalists may apply through Chinese embassies in their countries. Foreign residential reporters in China can submit their applications directly to the press center, and those in Hong Kong and Macao can apply through the Special Commissioner's Office of the Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong and the visa office of the ministry in Macao, respectively.

　 Correspondents who apply should present credentials from the press organizations they represent, and their press cards. They are required to specify whether they are reporters or photographers.

　 The telephone number of the press center is 086-10-66023981 and fax number is 086-10-66014658.

　*President of Macao SAR Legislative Council Chosen

　 The First Legislative Council of the future Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) held a plenary meeting in Macao Tuesday to chose Susana Chou its president.

　 By means of secret ballot, the 23 lawmakers also chose Lau Cheok Va vice-president.

　 It was the first plenary meeting of the Legislative Council since all its members were decided at the end of September.

　 Having been a legislator for more than 20 years in the Legislative Assembly of Macao now under Portuguese rule, Susana Chou said that she will do her best to serve the Legislative Council of the Macao SAR, and that she expects strong support of the SAR legislators.

　 The First Legislative Council of the Macao SAR will be formally established on December 20, but from now on it has to make necessary preparations for the smooth operation of the future Macao SAR.