이
covers essentially the provision of basic law which will then be
binding for 50 years, and it is not possible for us to continue
the position beyond we can't ensure the position after that
date, but I think that in fact that what we have done about the
statelessness and status of minority groups is not an unsatisfactory answer. I would just like finally to make the point to you that the position is exactly the same for BN (0)'s living abroad actually as it
is for British citizens themselves.
QUESTION (by Harvey Stockwin):
MR RENTON:
In what way?
Well, I mean, in regard to what you
I mean, there is not going
were saying about consular protection. to be any difference.
QUESTION (by Harvey Btookwin);
Yes, but British citizens
living with a British passport in Britain have the protection of a non-communist British government.
MR RENTON:
Yes, but what you are doing, with respect,
is talking about the question of consular protection of people living abroad of people travelling abroad, aren't you.
-
QUESTION:
Emily Lau from the Far Eastern Economic Review. Mr Renton, in your discussions with members of UMELCO, political groups, and pressure groups in the last few days, is it your opinion that democratic reforms' according to those that are in Western countries, for Hong Kong, do you think that would create division within the community or would that bring about consensus
politics?
MR RENTON:
please?
Would you mind repeating your question
QUESTION (by Emily Lau): Well, based on your discussions with local political leaders and budding so-called political groups, is it your impression that democratic Western-style reforms will bring about consensus politics or will divide the community?