WHO WILL REPORT TO THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION ABOUT HONG KONG IF
AFTER 1997 CHINA IS STILL NOT PARTY TO THE CIVIL AND
POLITICAL RIGHTS COVENANT?
Chinese officials had indicated that favourable consideration
was being given to China acceding to the Covenant. Recent
developments must cast some doubt on that. But understand Chinese
authorities had been aware of argument that China's accession would
provide further reassurance to people in Hong Kong.
Whatever decisions China may take, will be necessary to
consider how best to give effect to provisions of Joint Declaration/Basic Law that provisions of Covenants as applied to Hong Kong will remain in force. Will need to discuss this in due
course with Chinese authorities through Sino-British Joint Liaison
Group. Naturally cannot prejudge outcome.
ALDABC(11)
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