anding
LA
the T
pretend that it is the whole answer.
China also has an essential
The drafting of the
The outcome of that
It
part to play in helping to shape that future. Basic Law has now reached a crucial phase. process is a matter of major concern to the British Government. will be a Chinese law. But as co-signatories of the Joint Declaration, we have a responsibility to ensure as far as we can that the Basic Law fully reflects the Joint Declaration. therefore been following the Basic Law drafting process very closely, including the recent meetings in Canton, and will continue to take every opportunity to underline to the Chinese the importance of a Basic Law which commands widespread support in Hong Kong.
We have
A key section of the Basic Law is the chapter on the future political structure and this is the focus of intense debate in Hong Kong. Discussion of the Basic Law and the provisions for constitutional development after 1997 have also stimulated interest in the pace of democratisation before 1997, which is a matter for decision by the British and Hong Kong Governments.
Your Lordships have rightly drawn attention to the strength of feeling in Hong Kong on the subject of democratisation in the territory. A substantially larger number of directly elected seats will be introduced in the elections to the Legislative Council in Our aim will be to ensure that 1991 than was hitherto envisaged.
the system we introduce before 1997 is durable and capable of further development after 1997.
The best outcome would be one which reconciles the wishes of Hong Kong people for a substantial step forward in 1991 with the
We continuation and further strengthening of democracy after 1997. are seeking to reconcile these two because that is clearly the best way. But if the best way is not attainable, then we will have to
My Right take our own decisions in the best interests of Hong Kong. Hon Friend the Foreign Secretary has already made clear that the Government will be announcing their intentions very shortly.
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