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Madde
As
We have also solemnly confirmed our approach to the transition period. Up to 30 June 1997 the British Government are responsible for the administration of Hong
Kong, with the object of maintaining and preserving its economic prosperity and social stability. The Chinese Government will give its cooperation in this connection. the Chinese Foreign Minister told Douglas Hurd and the
press in April: there is no question of the Chinese
Government seeking any veto, condominium or joint administration. Instead what is happening is what the Joint
Declaration laid down clearly: the intensification of our
cooperation during the second half of the transitional
period.
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7. Some people have cast doubt on the Joint Declaration
on its power to deliver on the guarantees and safeguards for
Hong Kong's way of life which it embodies. To them I would say "Today you are looking at the Joint Declaration in
action. This Memorandum of Understanding is a product of the Joint Declaration, of its fundamental principles of
working toward a common goal and of its spirit of
cooperation for the resolution of disagreement. This Memorandum is a vindication of the Joint Declaration's power
to deliver".
8.
When Douglas Hurd was
Mr Premier, this is a happy day.
here in April, General Secretary Jiang Zemin (pronounced
JANG ZUR MIN) talked about the transitional period before us and used an old Chinese proverb (pronounced) "TONG JOE GONG JEE", about how people travelling in the same boat need to
help each other whatever differences may come between them. I think that is a good metaphor. Our shared objectives have
always been clear: Hong Kong's continuing prosperity and
stability. The Joint Declaration set our course. The
Memorandum of Understanding helps us on our way. Now, we must redouble our efforts, pulling together, for the common benefit. That is what the people of Hong Kong will expect
of us.
SETAAP/3
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