Tough fight, yes - self-harm, no

Victims and affected families of the Manila hostage tragedy held direct talks with a Filipino official on Tuesday.迷你倉 According to lawmaker James To Kun-sun, who represented the them in the negotiations, both sides agreed not to disclose what was discussed. But a day before his return to the Philippines, Manila City Council member Bernardito Ang revealed the details - blaming the Hong Kong side for asking for too much in compensation. Ang's unilateral announcement may be disappointing. Nonetheless, it's not only a case for the victims but also society. Otherwise, there wouldn't be talk of sanctions to force the Philippines to negotiate. Ang's comments at least enabled us to know what's been going on. As said, it was the first time both sides sat down together. We all look forward to an end to the stalemate. To is less experienced than Ang in politics. The Filipino's remarks couldn't have been inadvertent, and may be part of Manila's tactics. So let's not jump to the conclusion that the talks have failed. Yesterday, Executive Council member Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee said the government may proceed with some form of sanctions, such as telling the Philippines its people will no longer enjoy visa-free entry to the SAR. Although the Philippines is bound to retaliate, she said the impact on Hong Kong would be minimal. Were Ip's comments inappropriate? The tough talk on sanctions in the beginning were meant to force the Philippines to face the victims and affected families directly. Now that Manila has come, it'd be improper to mention sanctions again at this stage. Does Ip know the Philippines is a growth area for Hong Kong儲存tourism? Any sanctions would be an act of self- inflicted injury. The negotiations have been mainly about an apology and compensation. Unless Philippine President Benigno Aquino is really expected to formally apologize on behalf of his country, it's unrealistic to think he'll change his mind. While Aquino is apparently sticking to his guns, Manila's vice mayor Isko Moreno has written a proposed apology that Mayor Joseph Estrada is expected to deliver when he comes to Hong Kong in the second half of November. Regarding compensation, it's clear in Ang's deliberate disclosure that Manila wants to offer a lump sum for the victims to share. As he announced yesterday, Manila initially offered to pay a total of US$1 million (HK$7.8 million), and then increased it to HK$10 million - including US$75,000 for each deceased, US$150,000 for the seriously injured, and US$20,000 to US$25,000 for those less seriously injured. It's the first time the compensation breakdown was brought to light. But how much should be right? It had been reported that - despite a denial by the Philippines - the country had paid up to US$330,000 to the family of a Taiwanese fisherman killed by the Philippine coast guard. Could that be used as a reference? Security minister Lai Tung-kwok, survivors and family members have adopted a low profile since hopes rose for a settlement. In most negotiations, differences cannot be resolved by rhetoric but low-key discussions. Ang may be trying to give out the message the sum was Manila's bottom line. If both sides are serious in resolving the issue, shouldn't they display a higher degree of flexibility? mini storage