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Members, the main theme of this session is to study how to
accomplish the mission properly. Before this full session, chairman and vice chairmen of the Drafting Committee have discussed
issues on how to make this session fruitful.
We propose that the agenda of this session be as follows : (1) to study and decide how the Drafting Committee is to proceed with its work; (2) to study and decide the general programme and procedure of the Basic Law drafting work; and (3) to have a preliminary exchange of views on the content of the basic Law. It is anticipated that the session will last five
days. Members who have any opinions regarding the agenda and content
of this session, or who feel that certain items should be added to
or deleted from the agenda may bring out their points for discussion.
I now give my views on several issues for your reference during discussion.
I.
The Nature and Mission of the Drafting Committee
According to the resolution of the third plenary session of the sixth National People's Congress on the establishment
of the Basic Law Drafting Committee for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, the
Basic Law Drafting Committee is a working organization set
up by the National People's Congress for the drafting of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's Basic law. The Committee is responsible to the National People's Congress
and, during the recess of the NPC, responsible to the Standing
Committee of the NPC. The basic Law Drafting Committee will
carry out the drafting work in accordance with the provisions
of article 31 of the PRC's constitution and the relevant
provisions on policies of the Chinese Government towards Hong Kong as incorporated in the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
Drafting will be based on the principles of safeguarding
China's state sovereignty and maintaining the stability and
prosperity of Hong Kong, and the views of compatriots from
all walks of life will be extensively sought and listened
by wide consultation.
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