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Andrew Li named as top judge

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In a move hailed as a major boost for confidence in the post-handover Judiciary, Andrew Li Kwok-nang QC, a top adviser to the Government, was yesterday named the Special Administrative Region's top judge.

Mr Li's recommendation as chief justice of the Court of Final Appeal was 'excellent news', said the Governor, Chris Patten. The Judiciary offered its 'warmest congratulations'.

Announcing the move - a unanimous decision by the independent Judicial Officers' Recommendation Commission - handover leader Tung Chee-hwa said he would endorse it on July 1.

Secretary of Justice-designate Elsie Leung Oi-sie will move a motion in the provisional legislature on Saturday seeking support for the appointment.

Mr Tung, the Chief Executive-designate, said he backed Mr Li because he was an outstanding lawyer with exceptional personal qualities who was highly regarded in legal and judicial circles.

'An independent Judiciary has been and will remain the cornerstone of Hong Kong's stability and prosperity,' he said.

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