Snowden case won't hinder HK's no-visa status  

美方称斯诺登事件不会影响香港人免签入境政策

(ECNS) -- The progress of Hong Kong residents' application for visa-free access to the US won't be affected by the former US spy agency contractor Edward Snowden case, according to Stephen M. Young, US consul general in Hong Kong.

Young, who will leave his post as the top American representative in Hong Kong at the end of the month, made the remarks at a press conference on Thursday.

"The mutual trust between China and the US had been eroded by Snowden's departure," said Young, adding, "It will take some time to repair the damage there."

Snowden fled Hong Kong after the United States asked the local authorities to detain and repatriate him on charges that he illegally disclosed classified documents about American surveillance programs.