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two systems" principle provided for in the Joint Declaration. We should blend together the love for the motherland and the love for HK, to keep the country united and at the same time to preserve HK's stability and
prosperity.
More than 98 per cent of the HK population is Chinese. We all hope that the motherland will become strong and united. For a very long time, we have all been concerned about the fate of our country, hoping that it will be strong and united. We have all hoped that HK will return to the motherland. The Sino-British Joint Declaration on the HK
question has been generally welcomed and supported by compatriots in HK since its publication. They have supported the return of sovereignty over HK to motherland and the country's basic policies towards HK.
These have been manisfestations of their patriotism. We hope that compatriots in HK will contribute further to the territory's stability and prosperity, to the motherland's four modernisation programme and to the country's reunification. We also hope that expatriates in HK will work together with Chinese residents here to make more contributions to
HK's stability and prosperity.
The BLCC is a bridge linking residents from all walks of life and the BLDC members. It is also an important channel to reflect views and proposals on the drafting work. It is beyond doubt that the BLCC will serve an important function in the Basic Law drafting process. The BLCC
is a community organisation in HK which has wide representation. The BLDC is a working organisation under the NPC to draft the Basic Law. The two do not have a leader-subordinate relationship. But, we have a common duty and objective. It is hoped that the BLCC and the BLDC will increase their cooperation and coordination. In the Basic Law drafting process, we expect support and assistance from the BLCC. I believe that with the joint efforts of BLDC and BLCC members as well as the general public, we will be able to accomplish the important task entrusted to us by the people and come up with a Basic Law which will implement the basic state policy of "one country, two systems", which will preserve the country's unification, which will be in accordance with the Joint Declaration and which will be in line with the wishes of all Chinese people, including compatriots in HK.
This is the end of my speech. Thank you.
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