iPhone | iPad
Android
Huawei
Bangladesh won the first Test in Sylhet by 150 runs to close in on a landmark series victory
KT APPDOWNLOAD
Hong Kong, Philippines compromise over tourist deaths
The statement avoided the word “apology,” which had been a longstanding demand of the survivors and families of the victims.
Hong Kong and the Philippines reached a compromise Wednesday over Hong Kong’s demands for an apology for the families of eight tourists killed in a bungled response to a 2010 Manila hostage-taking that soured relations.
Tse Chi-kin, second from right, brother of killed hostage Masa Tse, is accompanied with hostage survivor and victims' family members during a news conference in Hong Kong on Wednesday, April 23, 2014. - AP
“The Philippine government expresses its most sorrowful regret and profound sympathy, and extends its most sincere condolences for the pain and suffering of the victims and their families,” Hong Kong’s leader, Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, told reporters.
The statement avoided the word “apology,” which had been a longstanding demand of the survivors and families of the victims.
The Philippine police chief has also written to the families.
The tourists were part of a group taken hostage on a Manila tour bus by a disgruntled former police officer.
The two sides had previously agreed on three other demands — compensation, holding responsible officials accountable and putting in place safety measures for tourists.
Relations became increasingly strained as they failed to resolve the deadlock over the apology, with Hong Kong announcing a first phase of sanctions in January in which it cancelled visa-free access for holders of Philippine government passports.
The agreement comes after months of talks between Hong Kong and Philippine officials, including a visit this week by a delegation including Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, a top aide of President Benigno Aquino III and the national police chief.
While Estrada has previously apologized to the families, Aquino has expressed regret but has refused to apologize, saying the lone gunman and not the state is to be blamed for the tragedy.
More news from
The win at the Indonesian Masters gave me a real high and hopefully, I can continue that momentum this week
The British star set up a mouthwatering second round clash with Mladenovic at the Al Habtoor Tennis Challenge
Addressing a rapt audience, the comedian said that the problem with COP in general is the 'non-committing commitment'
The company currently manages 9% of the world’s handling capacity
A former Dubai resident, the industry veteran wants to make a difference and continue the drive for growth with quality at the iconic venue
You must have a minimum balance of Dh7.5 on your Nol card in order to use it on the metro, bus, or other modes of public transportation
The codeshare agreement unlocks enhanced connectivity for the passengers of both airlines