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Peter C.K, Chan (Urban Councillor): Sir Geoffrey's statement should have a stabilising effect on local people's confidence. It is a good news.
Joseph Chan (UC Member): Though the contents of the talks have not been disclosed, the statement has outlined the British government's stance. It has indicated that Britain has conceded sovereignty and administrative rights and is planning for HK people governing HK.
Dennis Ting (HK Federation of Industries): Local businessmen have been preparing for the change, Sir Geoffrey's statement will enable businessmen to face reality. It is hoped that the future administrator of HK is one that fully understands the factors behind the territory's success over the last 30 years.
Ho Saichu (HK Chinese Gencham and CPPCC delegate): The statement indicates that the talks have reached an agreement on certain principles. It will help strenghten local people's confidence.
Peter Harris (HKU professor): Sir Geoffrey only stressed that the agreement on HK's future would require the support of Parliament but no assurance was forthcoming that local people's views would be accepted,
Wong Kam-chow (CU lecturer): Even though an agreement will have international binding it cannot safeguard HK's future.
Fung Wai-kwong (HKU Student Union): Local people should actively express their views to influence the Chinese and British governments to take account of their views when they reaching an agreement on HK's future.
Andrew Wong (CU lecturer); The best way of guaranteeing future autonomy is to put faith in the people of HK. Therefore, democratisation should be speeded up,
Dorothy Llu (Pro-China lawyer): The future agreement signed by China and Britain would have international binding. Local people should think more about the transition period and prepare for self-rule,
Li Lin-sang (CPPCC delegate): Sir Geoffrey Howa.. has made clear the British government stance on HK's future. The Chinese and British governments should assist HK in economic development and public works over the next 13 years,
Kwok Hon-wah (HK Chinese Civil Servants Association): The statement would increase local people's confidence. Contents of the Sino-British talks would be made public in appropriate time.