"The ill public order in Macao before its return not only aroused concern among the local residents but also affected its neighboring areas," Jiang recalled.

Since the return, the Macao SAR Government, with the support of the Central Government, has dealt a heavy blow on various evil forces, which has resulted in visibly improved law and order and better economic performance in Macao, he said.

"The relatively more stable social environment in Macao today requires everyone to cherish and maintain," he pointed out.

"Everybody in China, in Macao or the mainland, should refuse to do anything destructive to the prosperity, stability and development in Macao," Jiang said.

Both history and reality of human development have proved that economic prosperity and social progress cannot be achieved without a stable environment, and this is true to the mainland and true to Macao, too, he said.

"In a modern society, the mass media have great influence on people, which requires that the media not only value freedom of the press but also pay attention to their social responsibilities and play a more positive role in matters bearing on Macao's prosperity and the interests of the state and the people," Jiang said.

(Xinhua 12/20/2000)