"As the Acting Chief Executive, I will, together with all public servants, continue to carry out our duties and ensure smooth functioning of the government," Henry Tang said at a press conference at the headquarters of the Hong Kong government Thursday.

He said that China's State Council had just announced the approval of the resignation request of Donald Tsang from the post of Hong Kong Chief Secretary for Administration.

Tang became the Acting Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region according to the Basic Law.

"I have invited all members of the Executive Council to stay in office until the new Chief Executive takes office. They have all agreed to stay," Tang said.

He said Hong Kong's most important task now is the upcoming Chief Executive election.

He said he believed that the by-election will be conducted in an open and fair way and that the new Chief Executive will lead Hong Kong to develop in a steady manner.

He said he was strongly confident that all principal officials will do their best to ensure the smooth functioning of the government and safeguard the stability and prosperity of the Hong Kong community.

(Xinhua News Agency June 2, 2005)