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the introduction of universal suffrage in 2007 if that was the
wish of the SAR, in accordance with the provisions laid down
in the Basic Law. This is an issue which most political
parties in Hong Kong are interested in, including the
Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of Hong Kong. Clarity
on this point would help provide reassurance to Hong Kong about the prospects for eventual universal suffrage.
14. We would also like to discuss with you whether, if an
agreement were to be reached on the method of forming the Election Committee for 1995, the Chinese side would use the
same model for constituting the "Selection Committee" for the
first Chief Executive and the Election Committee for future
Chief Executive, and that these committees should be selected by open elections.
This would give confidence to Hong Kong
people that the Chief Executive of the future SAR Government would be chosen by open and fair elections. We hope you will agree that this would indeed be the case. The Chinese side
will recall that in previous exchanges the British side have
consistently held the view that there is advantage in the
election body for the first Chief Executive being
democratically elected.
15.
These are the main points on which we hope to reach
early understandings with you. The strong desire of the
community is that we should resolve our differences quickly.
If we can it would provide Hong Kong with a certain political
future. That would be of immense benefit to the people of
Hong Kong and to prosperity and stability in the territory.
We will do our utmost to bring about this happy result.
16. We hope for rapid progress in our discussions. If the elections are to be held in an orderly way, the legislation
needs to be enacted before the end of this session of the
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