China offers to help quell Macau triad violence

MAINLAND officials offered yesterday to help Macau crack down on growing triad violence.

The Xinhua director in Macau, Wang Qiren, said the mainland could provide 'positive and efficient' co-operation to quell the spate of shootings and other crimes.

But speaking after meeting visiting Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres, Mr Wang stressed that the mainland respected the existing administration and said internal matters were Portugal's responsibility until the 1999 handover.

'If they need help we will offer our assistance. China will give positive and efficient co-operation. However, before 1999 the Portuguese are responsible for the territory,' Mr Wang said.

Mr Wang refused to confirm whether he and Mr Guterres had discussed the crime problem, saying the meeting was principally about 'general matters' relating to Macau and the Prime Minister's visit to China.

His comments came after Governor Vasco Rocha Vieira made several calls for China's help in tackling the deteriorating security situation.

His administration has come under attack twice this week for its handling of a wave of violence which has seen three public servants murdered in gangland-style executions in the past month.