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Exchanges will continue, though not necessarily in JLG. (Joint Declaration provides for JLG to discuss procedures to be
adopted for smooth transition in 1997).
Human Rights?
Draft BL provides that provisions of the two international covenants on human rights shall be implemented in SAR.
Aware of some concern in Hong Kong that other parts of Basic Law are inconsistent with this. Believe this can be sorted out in
process of re-drafting.
Need for authentic English text of Basic Law?
See some force in arguments for this, as English maycontinue
to be used after 1997 in courts and government.
Judicial system
Welcome provisions in draft Basic Law for continuation of present common law system, independent judiciary, power of final judgement vested in Hong Kong courts.
Provisions on National People's Congress power to interpret Basic Law, determine validity of laws enacted by SAR legislature need not be inconsistent with principle of high degree of autonomy. Has to be some way of regulating relationship between national law (of which Basic Law is part) and law of SAR.
Confident that BLDC will take Hong Kong views on this into
account.
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