Albright accepts offer to attend handover

US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright has accepted an invitation to the handover ceremony - a decision she said underlined her government's support for the SAR.

Her response to the invitation, made during a February visit to Beijing, boosts Britain and China's plans for a ceremony studded with international VIPs.

The timing of her announcement - one day after visiting legislator Martin Lee Chu-ming called on her to make the trip - seemed designed to emphasise the Democratic Party leader's reputation in Washington.

Ms Albright said: 'I will underline American support for the continuation of Hong Kong's current way of life and freedom.

'And I will emphasise America's continued involvement in protecting our interests and supporting Hong Kong's people as they enter the Chinese nation.' She stressed the enormous economic interests that the United States had in the territory.

Her announcement came during a speech at the US Naval Academy in Maryland, where she also called for China's integration into the international community.