Local Chinese-language newspapers carried commentaries on Sunday marking the 50-day countdown to Macao's return to the motherland.

The Macao Daily News noted in a commentary that Macao is returning to the motherland in 50 days.

It said that during Chinese President Jiang Zemin's recent visit to Portugal, the leaders of the two countries reached consensus on some remaining questions related to Macao's transition.

"News that leaders of both countries will take part in the handover ceremony in Macao adds joy to the 50-day countdown and boosts people's confidence in the future," the commentary said.

Up to now, the overall framework of executive authorities, legislature and judiciary of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) has been completed, and preparations for the establishment of the SAR is well under way, the newspaper said.

The paper also pointed out that a lot of work has to be done in the run-up to Macao's return. The officials of the SAR government must get familiar with the affairs of the SAR as soon as possible.

In addition, certain quantities of necessary laws have to be discussed and passed at the First Legislative Council of the SAR. The laws shall go into effect right after the founding of the Macao SAR in the early morning of December 20.

The Va Kio newspaper said in a commentary that on the occasion of the 50-day countdown to Macao's return, Macao people are relieved to see that transition matters are making progress in an orderly way and the residents have greater confidence in the future.

The scheduled celebration actiivities organized by local mass organizations on Sunday reveal people's eager expectation for the return, the newspaper said.

The Si Man Pou newspaper said that after Macao's return to the motherland, the principles of "one country, two systems" and " Macao people governing Macao" will be carried out in the SAR. " Following Hong Kong's return to the motherland, Macao's return will be another step in the reunification process of the country," the newspaper said.

"After its return, Macao's prosperity will surely be achieved with the strong backing of the motherland," the commentary said.