CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY, MR KOICHI KATOʻS, STATEMENT AT A PRESS CONFERENCE: MONDAY 16 NOVEMBER
Good morning. I have no particular announcements.
The other day, I was asked to comment on the announcement by Governor Patten of Hong Kong about developing democracy there. Japan maintains that it is important both for Hong Kong itself and for international prosperity and stability in the Asia/Pacific region, that, after the lease runs out in 1997, Hong Kong should continue to enjoy economic freedom and should sustain its stability and prosperity on the basis of the Sino-British Joint Declaration and the Basic Law.
As for Governor Patten's proposals, at present the British and In fact Chinese governments appear to be holding discussions. Governor Patten visited Peking in October for negotiations, but the talks appeared to make little progress.
In any case, Japan is not in a position to make specific comments. We do however consider that the steady development of democracy in Hong Kong, on the basis of the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law, is to be welcomed.
Question:
Does "welcoming democratisation: mean that matters will go in the direction of these proposals?
Mr Patten is thinking in the direction of greater democracy, but the question of what outcome there will be to the discussions with It is not for China, is a matter for the two countries concerned. us to comment.
We do however think that it is good for Hong Kong to maintain its prosperity and stability while enjoying economic freedom, and that the development of democracy is also to be welcomed.
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OAMOL ASSHƐWз HSILINA 20:21 20-21-26.
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