"Unification has always been the main focus throughout China's history, and national unity, well-being and prosperity have always constituted goals to which the Chinese people have aspired tirelessly. Macao's return to China is an important step in the process of, and great progress towards, the ultimate reunification of our motherland."

Edmund Ho Hau Wah made the remarks after he took the oath of office as the first chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) at the Forum, Macao, early today.

Ho called the great concept of "one country, two systems" one of "ingenious political insight," saying, "It is the basis for Macao's future development. First of all, we must have a clear notion of "one country": this means one sovereign state. Then comes the concept of "two systems" coexisting and prospering together within this one sovereign state."

"To implement this principle, it is necessary to adhere firmly to the Basic Law," Ho said.

He went on to say, "Amidst this celebration, we must remember that, in the past hundred years or so, the Chinese people have striven relentlessly to safeguard our nation's territorial integrity and its dignity. Over the last fifty years, under the guidance of three generations of leaders headed by Macao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping and Jiang Zemin, the Chinese people have gone from strength to strength playing an increasingly important role in the world. This in turn has paved the way for the smooth resolution of the question of Macao.

"With wisdom and foresight, Mr. Deng Xiaoping put forward the great concept of 'one country, two systems' and solved a historical problem in a peaceful way. All of this laid a solid foundation for a smooth transition and continued stability and prosperity in Macao after its reunification with its motherland."