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(iii)
why it is that despite the proposed amendment the deadline for deciding on MC composition is still only weeks rather than months away (viz. in order
that the BEC can submit its recommendations,
various legislative and administrative steps as detailed in Annex A must first be completed, which
in turn point to a decision deadline in weeks);
and
(iv)
why it is that the decision deadline for (iii)
above is also the overall deadline for talks
(drawing on the technical arguments outlined in
our telno. 1571; extract at Annex B).
3.
The above statement could conveniently be made by
CS at the LegCo sitting on 20 October. Alternatively, it could be issued by way of a press release. Either way,
detailed press briefings will be necessary to prevent any
misunderstanding that may arise. When the amendment bill
is introduced into LegCo, the speech by SCA should also reiterate the main points in the statement.
4.
If the Chinese, after being briefed on the
amendment on 13 October, should then leak the news, we may
have to organize briefings for the media to put our case
across and, if necessary,
advance the timing for
announcement as indicated in paragraph 3 above.
D2706
G.F. 316
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