Confidence vote: Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee says he is certain that Police, who have been well-trained and equipped, are capable of handling large-scale events.

The subsidiary legislation on proposed closed areas near the WTO Sixth Ministerial Conference venue will be tabled to lawmakers in October for negative vetting, Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee says.

Speaking on RTHK's "Dialogue with Secretaries" programme, Mr Lee said the Government aims to ensure the smooth conduct of the conference, peaceful demonstrations and minimum inconvenience to the public. From security and traffic management angles, there is a need to designate restricted access zones around the conference venue, he said.

Overseas experience in recent years indicates that large-scale international events, including WTO conferences, serve as ready focal points for protesters. While dialogues with non-governmental organisations who may wish to stage protests during the conference period continue, Police have made reference to overseas experience on handling acts of violence and are prepared for the worst scenario.

Peaceful protests respected

Mr Lee stressed the Government values the freedom of expression and respects peaceful protests, but will not tolerate any acts of violence. He is confident that Police, who have been well-trained and equipped, are capable of handling large-scale events.

On immigration, Mr Lee said all travelers will be vetted in accordance with laws. To ensure smooth operation of boundary check points during the Golden Week holiday in early October, more customs and immigration officers will be deployed to handle the expected upsurge. An inter-departmental group has also been set up to monitor passenger flow.

He called on the public and visitors to use Lo Wu Check Point, since its capacity is much greater than the Lok Ma Chau Check Point.