[Although it has not proved possible to reach agreement in these
It is
talks we remain ready to continue discussions with the Chinese
side in an effort to narrow our differences. We are fully
committed to cooperation with China on Hong Kong and to
fulfilling our obligations under the Joint Declaration.
common sense that this is the best way to promote the
prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and to secure a smooth
transition. We look to the Chinese side to work with us to
achieve this. In particular we look forward to early agreement
on financing arrangements for the new airport and on Hong Kong's ninth container terminal. There is also a long agenda
of issues in the Joint Liaison Group which need to be dealt
with if continuity in legal and technical areas is to be
achieved. We shall continue to work for cooperation with China
to achieve full implementation of the Joint Declaration. That
is in the best interests of a successful Hong Kong after 1997.
5
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