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STATEMENT MADE BY THE AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER ON 26 SEPTEMBER
ABOUT THE DRAFT SINO-BRITISH AGREEMENT ON HONG KONG'S FUTURE
"The Government welcomes the Agreement that has been reached by the
British and Chinese Governments about the future of Hong Kong.
achieved this settlement.
I congratulate both Governments on having achieved this
It is noteworthy that more than two years of intensive negotiations have resulted in a detailed Agreement being reached with the
declared object of maintaining confidence in Hong Kong and ensuring
its continued stability and prosperity.
that
It has been my firmly and consistently held view,
strengthened by my visit to Hong Kong and particularly by my
discussions with Premier Zhao in Peking in February this year,
the discussions between the United Kingdom and China would result in
an amicable and sensible Agreement which would allow Hong Kong to
continue to function in conditions acceptable to all the parties.
Australia has important interests in Hong Kong and in Hong Kong's
continuing to play a positive role in the development of our region.
The Agreement that has now been reached, and the arrangements made
for continuing co-operation between the parties involved in Hong Kong's future, will make an important contribution to the
political stability of the Western Pacific region as
a whole."
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