4.
5
The Settlement of Differences
Peking
Hong Kong
'The atmosphere both with Premier Zhao and Chairman Deng was a friendly atmosphere, one in which we recognise that there are differences. But we believe that the things we have in common and the aims we have in common are greater than the things on which we differ'.
'I believe we can reconcile our differences and produce an agreement that will be acceptable to China, which I can justify to Parliament, which I always have to have constantly in my mind, and which will be welcomed by the Hong Kong people'.
'I believe there are differences on each side. I believe that those can be reconciled...because I believe we have the common aim of maintaining the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong'.
'Each side put their respective views. In may respects they are different, but the common aim of maintaining the stability and prosperity we agree'.
[In answer to a question on sovereignty]
'The Chinese position has been well known for a very long time. That is why for years now we have not reported on Hong Kong as a Colony to the UN, because the the Chinese position was known'.
'We are going to enter into talks to reconcile the differences between us - that we will do'.
'We agreed to enter into talks...and we have a aim in entering into these talks. So there are very considerable advances above respective differences considerable'.
very
'We each have our different views but we each have a common aim, to maintain the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong, and it was quite an achievement really to get that aim put in a communiqué and to agree now to enter into talks'