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WANG OIREN
Without naming the Governor, HKMAO vice-director Wang Qiren in meeting a HK delegation criticised someone for making remarks overseas recently that were not in line with the "three conformities", the papers widely reported. Mr Wang urged both sides to maintain a good atmosphere before the third round of Sino-British talks. On the new airport, Mr Wang said China's stand had been very clear. It supported the building of a new airport that was cost-effective and-in line with the MOU. Some reports noted that Mr Wang had reiterated four principles relating to the "through train" arrangement. i.e., those on board must uphold the EL. pledge allegiance to the CAR Government, weet BL stipulations and be confirmed by the SAR preparatory committee.
MEETING POINT
The peering between the Governor and reeting Point members were reported in good coverage. Many reports noted that Meeting Point chairman Anthony Cheung had quoted the Governor as saying that it would not be a good thing to set deadlines for the talks, which were having positive progress. But the Governor, stressed that in any case, legislators would be given enough time to scrutinise the reform Bill. Some reports highlighted the point that the Governor shared the group's views. that there should be more communications between Exco and Legco. The Governo believel that the Government-Legco Committee, if set up, might have helped improve comunications. It was noted that Meeting Point had told the Governor that unless the Government could come up with an overall financial package for the new airport, they would not support funding applications for airport-related projects, including those for the PAA.
A few papers understood that the Governor bad told Meeting Point that the reform Bill would not be split into parts as Ching right delay· reaching an agreement on arrangements for the Legco elections.
EXCO
The papers noted that Exco was briefed on the Governor's US trip st yesterday's Exco meeting. Both Professor Felice Lieh Mak and Professor Edward Chen said the Governor's trip was mainly to reflect HK's concerns on the MFH issue. They did not think that M- Patten's remarks in the US would affect the Sino-British talks. Wah Kiu understood that Exco yesterday had an assessment of the third round of talks and had made preparations in case there was no breakthrough. Quoting British sources, Sing Po said the talks should not dwell on matters of principle, but should instead try to come up with amendments to the Patten package. Sources said any amendments must be acceptable to various political parties as well as the public.
Some papers noted that FCO minister. Alastair Goodlad would visit HK at the end of the month. FCO spokesman in HK Chris Osborne said Mr Goodlad's visit would be a routine one and had nothing to do with the coring round of Sino-British talks. A few reports noted that Mr Goodlad .would meet Exco and Legco members during his week-long stay.
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John Ellison of the Oriental Daily News said Sir Percy Cradock would
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a private visit to Peking at the end of the month. The report said the fact the Sir Percy's visit would coincide with the third round of talks and that he would be received by Jiang Enzhu hed nade 200 officials uneasy and the Governor angry. They believed that the visit would make Chinese leaders have misunderstandings of Britain's stand. Meanwhile, Sir Percy told the paper that his visit had nothing to do with the talks. Nor would he be bringing messages for the British side.
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