"I Deeply regret that the legislative work to implement Article 23 of the Basic Law to protect national security is not completed as scheduled,?said Secretary for Security Regina Ip in a statement on her resignation yesterday.

"As a Chinese national and the Secretary for Security, I sincerely believe I have a responsibility to actively promote this highly important legislative task. I feel deeply honoured that I have had an opportunity to take part in this historic legislative work during my tenure as secretary for security.

"In formulating the proposals, we have tried our best to strike a balance between protecting national security and safeguarding Hong Kong people's rights and freedoms. I firmly believe that the National Security (Legislative Provisions) Bill, with the various amendments proposed by the government, will be able to achieve this goal.

"I also believe that the efforts made in the past 10 months will lay a good foundation for the eventual passage of the Bill.I am confident that my successor will be able to accomplish this task in good time.

"My decision to resign is entirely due to personal reasons.

"I am most grateful for the chief executive's support for and trust in me during my five-year tenure as secretary for security.

"Last but not the least, I wish to thank those members of the public who have stood by me throughout the years for their unfailing support.

"During her service in the government, Ip's performance has been most outstanding,"said Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa in a statement on the resignation of Regina Ip.

"On June 25, Mrs Regina Ip tendered her resignation as secretary for security on personal grounds. I tried to persuade her to stay on and suggested that she might take a long leave first to get some rest and sort out her personal matters before making up her mind. But regrettably I could not change her decision.

"With her exceptional abilities and great wisdom, she has resolved many thorny issues, and has earned the esteem of colleagues in the service.

"Indeed, since I became the chief executive, I have worked with Mrs Ip closely and have been able to appreciate her immense abilities and enthusiasm to serve the special administrative region. Her colleagues and I will miss her greatly. I wish her great success and happiness in the years to come."

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