(21 Feb 1997) Mandarin/Cantonese/Nat
Thousands of Hong Kong citizens have been lining-up to pay their respects to the late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping.
A memorial hall, set-up in the offices of the Chinese State news agency, Xinhua, has become the focus of Hong Kong's grief.
And in temples across Hong Kong it's been a similar story, with a steady stream of worshippers praying for the soul of the paramount leader.
Here in Hong Kong, at the offices of the official Chinese news agency, Xinhua, a memorial hall's been set up following the death of former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping.
From breakfast-time, locals queued several deep for the chance to file through the hall and say a personal farewell to the man credited by many of them with reforming China's economy.
A fact illustrated by the large number of business people amongst the mourners.
Some had even travelled from Southern China to pay homage.
SOUNDBITE: (MANDARIN)
"I think that it is very very important. I came to Hong Kong from China. Since 1979, we have been through a whole lot of changes. This in itself was remarkable. So when I heard that he had died. I felt very sad."
SUPER CAPTION: Mr. Tsang, Mourner
A large portrait of Deng dominated the sombre scene inside the building, which has for years effectively functioned as China's embassy in the colony.
And now Hong Kong's counting down quicker than ever towards rule from Beijing.
Whilst taking pride in their Hong Kong citizenship; many residents of this British colony consider themselves fundamentally Chinese.
SOUNDBITE: (CANTONESE)
"I feel that being Chinese, especially Hong Kong Chinese is especially significant to mourn his death. I think that it is very disappointing that he will not be able to witness the handover to Chinese sovereignty later this year."
SUPER CAPTION: Ms. Wong, Mourner
More than ten thousand mourners are expected to pass through this hall in the coming days - ahead of Tuesday's official funeral service for Deng.
And in temples across Hong Kong it's been a similar story with a steady stream of worshippers praying for the soul of the paramount leader.
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Негізгі бет HONG KONG: THOUSANDS OF CITZENS MOURN THE DEATH OF DENG XIAOPING
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