NEW YORK, 27 FEBRUARY 1997
STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR ANTÓNIO MONTEIRO, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF PORTUGAL, TO THE SECURITY COUNCIL 3742^nd MEETING (tribute to Deng Xiao Ping)

On this occasion of profound grief for the Chinese people, Portugal sincerely regrets the death of China's Paramount Leader, Mr. Deng Xiaoping, a central and historic figure in the construction of modern China.

Mr. Deng Xiaoping was instrumental in the deepening of relations between China and Portugal. It was under his able leadership that China and Portugal initiated the ongoing negotiations for the hand-over of the administration of the Territory of Macao in 1999. His constructive and cooperative spirit is clearly reflected in the smooth progress of those negotiations.

The President of the Republic of Portugal, who is currently in China on a state visit, was able to express personally to China and its people the heartfelt condolences of Portugal and its people on the passing of Mr. Deng Xiaoping.