Governor Bill Richardson's Statement on Special Shapes Balloons Held in China

Press Release

Governor Bill Richardson today said he is encouraged by recent developments in the case of 13 special shapes balloons that had been held by a Chinese company, and that he is still working to get the balloons to Albuquerque in time for the 2009 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Governor Richardson, who spoke directly with China's Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong on September 21st, continues to work closely with the embassy to get the balloons through Chinese Customs. Contrary to news reports, the Balloons are still in Beijing. At the request of the balloons' owners, Governor Richardson is working to remove the remaining barriers that are preventing the shipment of the balloons.

"While I am encouraged that there is an agreement to ship the balloons, there is still work to do," Governor Bill Richardson. "I am working closely with the Chinese Embassy to get the balloons through customs as quickly as possible to ensure that they make it to Albuquerque in time to take
to the skies during this year's Balloon Fiesta."

The balloons got held up enroute from a balloon festival in Inner Mongolia.

Over the past week and half, Governor Richardson has been in constant contact with the Chinese Embassy to help facilitate their return.

"I want to thank Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong for getting personally involved to help us resolve these issues," Governor Richardson added. "It will be through his help that these perennial favorites make their ppearance for the hundreds of thousands who travel from all over the world to our Balloon Fiesta.

Source