As the host of the Sixth Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in this December, the Hong Kong government said Monday it will facilitate non-governmental organizations' peaceful activities while ensuring public order and the conference's smooth conduct. The assurance was given at a meeting between the Hong Kong People's Alliance on the World Trade Organization and Hong Kong Ministerial Conference Co-ordination Office, the Trade & Industry Department, the Security Bureau, Hong Kong Police Force and the Leisure & Cultural Services Department Monday.

The government urged all interested organizations to submit applications for using public places for meetings early to the departments concerned to facilitate processing.

Groups that wish to hold public meetings during the conference period should also notify the police in accordance with the law and established procedures.

An inter-departmental committee, comprising members from the coordination office, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Leisure & Cultural Services Department has been formed to consider the applications.

The committee urges organizations to ensure all activities be conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner.

Source: Xinhua