Hong Kong Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee yesterday expressed his confidence in the ability of a well-trained and equipped police force to handle the security work for the coming World Trade Organization (WTO) Sixth Ministerial Conference.

Lee said the subsidiary legislation on proposed area closures in and around the conference venue would be submitted to lawmakers in October for approval.

Speaking on Radio Television Hong Kong's "Dialogue with Secretaries" program, Lee said the Hong Kong government aims to ensure the smooth conduct of the conference with minimum inconvenience to the public.

Lee stressed that whilst Hong Kong respects the freedom of expression, acts of violence will not be tolerated.

He said key police teams have already been sent overseas training trips to learn more about maintaining security at large-scale international conferences.

The WTO ministerial conference will be held in Hong Kong from December 13 to 18 and over 10,000 people, including delegates and correspondents, are expected to attend the conference.

(Xinhua News Agency September 27, 2005)