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8.
(a) the Basic Law contains an exact repetition of Annex 1 to the Joint Declaration, or at least full and accurate extracts from it, without
restrictive interpretations;
(b) in those areas where the Basic Law will contain provisions additional to those in the Joint Declaration (eg the future governmental structure), such additions take full account of Hong Kong's circumstances and needs.
full
still 11 years before
There are two significant considerations to be borne in mind. First, it is important to ensure that Hong Kong
the confidence in
Basic Law: that people have
it
faithfully and fully reflects the provisions of the Joint Declaration and second, there are
1997, during which there will be developments in many Moreover after the SAR is
for room in 1997, Hong Kong will still need
to development
meet changing needs. It is important,
therefore, that the Basic Law will leave room for such development. To set too much detail in concrete so far
fields of activity here.
established
advance could
prove
a
in hindrance
the
desirable changes need to be made.
future
in
when
B.
INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS
9.
One area which is of fundamental importance to the maintenance of confidence in Hong Kong is the preservation of individual rights and freedoms.
10.
There have also been suggestions in Hong Kong, particularly from members of the legal profession, that a "Bill of Rights" should be incorporated in the Basic Law This or, better still, enacted in Hong Kong prior to 1997.
idea, however,
reasons:
creates
difficulties
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the for
following
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