CRI听力:HK, Philippines Compromise over 2010 Manila Hostage Crisis

The Hong Kong government says its a long-running dispute with the Philippines over a deadly hostage crisis nearly 4-years ago has come to an end.

CRI's Li Jing has the story from Hong Kong.

Reporter: Authorities from Hong Kong and the Philippines have reached a compromise over the demand for an apology connected to the deaths of eight tourists during a hostage-taking in Manila in August of 2010.

0424phillipineVideo: President Benino Aquino III contends that issuing a formal apology would be an admission of culpability by the government of the PhilippinesIn a statement, Hong Kong authorities say that "the Philippine government expresses its most sorrowful regret and profound sympathy, and extends its most sincere condolences for the pain and suffering of the victims and their families."

It goes on to say the victims and their families' four demands for an apology, compensation, sanctions against responsible officials and individuals, and tourist safety measures, will be settled.

However, the statement does NOT say that a formal "apology" has been issued.

The government of the Philippines has been refusing to offer a formal apology for the incident.

President Benino Aquino III contends that issuing a formal apology would be an admission of culpability by the government of the Philippines, and could leave the country open to lawsuits.

Despite this, as part of the new agreement, Hong Kong sanctions against Philippine government officials have been lifted.

In February, the Hong Kong government canceled visa-free travel for Philippine officials and diplomats.

The new agreement comes after Manila mayor Joseph Estrada, a former president of the Philippines, arrived in Hong Kong this week in an attempt to bring the nearly 4-year dispute to an end.

The two sides have been at odds ever since a disgruntled former police officer took control of a tour bus in downtown Manila on August 23rd, 2010.

The 10-hour standoff broke down after police arrested the hostage-taker's brother, prompting him to open fire on the hostages.

The attack, carried live on television around the world, ended after special forces shot and killed Rolando Mendoza, but not before he was able to begin gunning down the hostages.

The attack left 8 tourists from Hong Kong dead and seven others wounded.

For CRI, this is Li Jing in Hong Kong.