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SCMP Reporter

May I express my great sadness at the death in Baghdad of UN envoy Sergio Vieira de Mello.

He was a tremendous servant of the UN, intelligent and perceptive with a delightful sense of humour. He was sent to every spot where trouble loomed, and always left things better than he found them.

He was a good friend to Hong Kong in the 1980s and 90s, helping us to resolve the problem of the Vietnamese boat people then causing us so much difficulty.

Whoever killed him achieved nothing, except to deprive those in Iraq and elsewhere in the world who most needed his help of a remarkable man.

CLINTON LEEKS, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England

Gay tactics

In contrast to the mischievous spirit of your cartoonist Harry, the leader 'Gays' protest does not advance their cause' (both August 19) was terribly unadventurous.

What hero ever won against the status quo by 'working for change from within the legal system'?

Did Jesus not announce his challenge to the high priests by kicking over the tables of the money-changers? Did Luther not begin freeing Europe from the then Catholic Church by nailing its crimes to its door?

Still, the legal route you suggest throws up possibilities. Perhaps in light of the church's contemptuous pronouncements, the world should consider confiscating the artworks of homosexuals in the Vatican, notably Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling.

They are in danger in such a hostile environment and the entire place should be turned over to Unesco.

ROBERT VERBURG, Central

Tit for tat

If there is to be a sales tax in Hong Kong - and I am not yet convinced that there should be - I hope that any 'no tax for tourists' option will be available only to visitors from those countries that offer similar concessions.

If I travel to Thailand or Britain, I can claim a rebate for VAT. But in the US or the mainland, there is no rebate, so why offer concessions to their visitors?

JOHN SANDERS, Hunghom

Health warnings

Hong Kong sadly recorded 299 Sars fatalities this year, and was the recipient of an advisory restricting travel from the World Health Organisation.

Equally sadly, it has been reported that France has had 5,000 to 10,000 deaths due to the recent heat wave. Maybe I missed the WHO's health warning about travelling to Europe this summer.

MARK KEITH, Sai Kung



A remarkable man