在线英语听力室_免费在线英语听力学习网站

The government of Hong Kong SAR and the Philippines have resolved their issue over the Manila bus hostage crisis of August 2010, ending over three years of strained ties. The Philippines expressed its most sorrowful regrets and profound sympathy over the tragedy which claimed the lives of eight Hong Kong residents in a statement. It said moves were underway to hold those responsible accountable and that it would give updates on its progress. The families of the victims of the hostage crisis received an undisclosed sum in compensation, which they have described as reasonable. The statement also announced the immediate¹ lifting of sanctions against Philippines' officials and a "black" travel alert imposed by Hong Kong shortly after the incident.

For more details about the sanctions and the reaction in the city, our reporter Zhu Dan joins us now from Hong Kong.

Q1: Zhu Dan. You were at the press conference yesterday. What more can you tell us about the joint² statement and what’s the reaction of the families there?

Q2: Will the consensus³ become a starting point for relations between Hong Kong and the Philippines to improve?