10
two visits to Hong Kong. We welcome the openness of the drafting
process and the expressed willingness of the Chinese authorities to
consider amending the draft in the light of comments received.
Press reports on the Drafting Committee's deliberations so far urently in suggest that substantial amendments may be made in the areas of most progres
concern.
- We look forward therefore to the publication of the second draft
next year.
onselves
onsetre
We have the right to insist that it accurately reflects
the provisions of the Sino-British Joint Declaration, and we shall
study it carefully with that in mind.
My Lords, I have described a number of regional conflicts around the
world where we have been active in seeking solutions. We are
conscious however of other threats facing the international
Community which directly affect many more countries. Threats such
as terrorism, drugs, AIDS and environmental problems. These are
problems that no one country can tackle in isolation.
- We have launched, or supported anti-terrorism initiatives in the
European Community, UN and International Civil Aviation
Organisation. As EC Presidency we initiated a new Community
programme against drugs and in the UN we are closely involved in
drafting a new Convention against trafficking. We are encouraging
support for UN efforts to combat AIDS, and organised jointly with
the World Health Organisation a meeting of World Ministers of Health
in London in January to increase international awareness of the
disease.
- We are also playing a leading role in emphasising the need for
international efforts to combat the current dangers to the world
environment. We shall, for example, be holding a major Conference
in London early next year on the specific issue of the use of
chlorofluorocarbons and their impact on the ozone layer.
My Lords, poverty and debt are also problems which afflict all too
many countries in the Third World. We are not indifferent to the
SB1AAI