- 2
5. Initial discussio: completed in April, and agreed timetable for
talks, viz:
-
Initial agreement in September
2/3 months for consideration in Hong Kong and
debate in Parliament
Signature in December
6. Following approval by Sritish and Chinese governments, texts of
documents comprising the agreement was initialled 26 September and subsequently published.
7.
Agreement comprises:
Joint Declaration
to China in 1997,
Hong Kong;
agrees to return Hong Kong
Chinese declare policy towards
Three Annexes expanding on Chinese policy and
joint UK/Chinese cooperation until 2000;
Exchange of Memoranda
citizens after 1997.
on status of Hong Kong
8.
9.
Key features of package:
international agreement, legally binding between two
sovereign states;
ensures British administration to 1997;
details Chinese commitments to Hong Kong as SAR and
continuity of essential Hong Kong elements;
Hong Kong basic law to remain unchanged for 50 years.
Agreement is good one, initial response favourable.
Hong Kongers taken into accou
Assessment Office established
monitors, by end November
debate agreement.
10. If acceptable, agreemen.
ratified before 30 June 1785
Views of
en maximum extent possible.
report, with two independent
Mong views. Parliament will then
11 be signed by end of year and