"As the Olympic torch is relayed through Hong Kong - and as it travels across the vast expanse of our country in the months ahead - I truly hope that it will continue to blaze a trail of unity and peace, for all people, of all nations. The goal of 'One World. One Dream' is there for us to achieve," he said.

The eight-hour torch relay in Hong Kong started from the Hong Kong Cultural Center, a landmark built on the northern coast of the Victoria Harbor in the 1980s. It comprises different function sections so as to accommodate various artistic forms such as concerts, musicals, operas, etc.

One hundred and twenty torchbearers are set to cover a 26-km route, passing by such landmarks as Tsing Ma Bridge, Sha Tin racecourse and the Avenue of Stars before the torch is ferried across the Victoria Harbor onto the Hong Kong Island.

The torchbearers will run through the business district in the Central and finally reach the Gold Bauhinia Square on the southern coast of Victoria Harbor to end the first leg of the torch relay on China soil.

(Xinhua News Agency May 2, 2008)