1 - The Council of State met today, and were heard regarding the transition process for Macao.

2 - The Foreign Minister and the Governor of Macao made presentations, respectively, on the evolution of bilateral relations with the People's Republic of China
and the priorities of the Administration of the Territory during this period.

3 - The Council of State said that cooperation among the organs of sovereignty and with the Governor and the Administration of Macao has been and will continue to be an essential factor in ensuring that the political-economic system, the laws, the legal system, the political and civil status of the inhabitants and their rights, the culture and the way of life of the Territory will continue, in accordance with the spirit and letter of the Joint Luso-Chinese Declaration, after the transfer of sovereign control.

4 - The Council of State expressed its confidence that the existing conditions of institutional cooperation and the guidelines being followed will allow for Macao's timely and successful transition.

5 - The Council of State, in a secret vote, decided not to authorize the suspension of Council of State member Dr. Alberto João Jardim, for the effect of continuing the criminal procedure involving abuse of freedom of the press in which he is a defendant.