Jiang Zemin, Chairman of the Central Military Commission, issued a decree at zero hours December 19 to the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops to be stationed in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) to enter Macao and take up defense duties starting December 20.

The decree is issued in accordance with the mission granted to the Chinese People's Liberation Army by the Constitution of the People's Republic of China (PRC), and relevant stipulations of the Basic Law of the Macao SAR of PRC and the Garrison Law of the PLA Troops Stationed in the Macao SAR of the PRC, Jiang says.

Jiang says that the resumption of exercise of sovereignty over Macao by the Chinese government is another grand event for the Chinese nation following the return of Hong Kong to the motherland.

This marks another solid step made by the Chinese people in the great cause of reunification of the motherland in accordance with the policy of "One Country, Two Systems", Jiang says.

It is an important symbol of the Chinese government's resumption of exercise of sovereignty over Macao for the PLA troops to be stationed in Macao SAR to enter Macao to take up the

defense duties, he says. It is a sacred mission and a great responsibility, Jiang stresses, he says.

Jiang asks the troops, after entering the Macao SAR, to adhere to the PLA's purpose of serving the people whole-heartedly, carry out the PLA's fine traditions, perform their duties faithfully,

abide by laws and disciplines, and govern the troops according to laws.

He asks them to build the troops into a strong force with soldiers of good breeding, who are qualified politically and competent militarily, have a fine work style, strict discipline and strong logistic support so as to make positive contributions to safeguarding the unity of the motherland, the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity and maintaining stability and development in Macao. (Xinhua)