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WHY NO PROVISION FOR INTERNATIONAL SUPERVISION?
10. This is a solemn, legally binding agreement between two
Highest form of bilateral commitment between
sovereign states.
states.
WHY NO CAST-IRON GUARANTEES/ ASSURANCES?
11.
There can be no such thing as a cast-iron assurance relating to
the future. But both parties have strongest possible incentive to
observe the agreement. Their international prestive is at stake.
The maintenance of Hong Kong's stability and prosperity is strongly
in the interests of both sides.
WHY "JOINT DECLARATION"?
12. A legally binding international agreement of this type can be
given a number of different titles. The precise choice does not
affect its status. "Joint Declaration" was a title acceptable to
both sides.
WHAT MAKES THE JOINT DECLARATION LEGALLY BINDING?
13. In paragraph 7 of the Joint Declaration the two sides agree to
implement the preceding declarations and the annexes to the Joint Declaration. This coupled with paragraph 8, which states that the Joint Declaration and its annexes will be equally binding makes the
entire agreement legally binding on the two sides.
WILL AGREEMENT BE REGISTERED AT THE UN?
14. Yes. We shall register it in accordance with normal
international practice.
WHY 50 YEARS? WHY NOT LONGER?
15. 50 years (63 years from now) is a very considerable period.
IS THE AGREEMENT RENEGOTIABLE?
16. No possibility of an amended agreement.
Arrangements proposed
for Hong Kong's future are outcome of a complex process of negotiation. This has resulted in balanced, comprehensive agreement providing framework for Hong Kong's continuing stability and
prosperity. Agreement must be seen as a whole.
But views expressed
in Hong Kong on all parts of it will be of value in our continuing
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