Hope
make a success of these elections, which mark a substantial
step forward in development of democracy in Hong Kong.
that in time Chinese Government will agree to accelerate
pace of democratisation.
- A further important development, which we hope will boost
confidence, was the introduction of the draft Bill of Rights
into LegCo in July. Will give clear effect in a single local law to provisions of International Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights and make these justiciable in Hong Kong
courts. Expected to become law before end of year. Joint Declaration and Basic Law already provide for provisions of
ICCPR to remain in force after 1997.
- On economic front, Hong Kong Government are pressing ahead
with their plans to build a new international airport and to expand port facilities. New airport and road and rail links associated with it will be largest infrastructure project
ever undertaken in Hong Kong and one of largest of its kind
in world Expected to cost some £10 billion over next 15
years.
- Will provide excellent opportunities for companies from all over the world. Hope Norwegian companies will also be
involved.
Clearly important to bring Chinese on side. We and Hong Kong Government have been making every effort to convince China of merits of project. Encouraged by fact that Chinese leadership have acknowledged need for a new international airport in Hong Kong.
Understandably, China's main concern is that HKSAR should
not be encumbered with a heavy debt burden after
1997. Chinese experts are still studying detailed
information given to them by Hong Kong Government.
that recent visit to Hong Kong by team of Chinese experts
NEWAAL/4
Hope