ACCEPTABLE TO HONG KONG PEOPLE
The right of Hong Kong people to decide on their future political system is inalienable not only because it is a basic right of man to determine his own future but also that it is an undertaking between the Chinese and the British governments in the Joint Declaration. This right is also consistent with the Chinese promise of "One Country Two Systems, Hong Kong People Ruling Hong Kong and High Degree of Autonomy". Our recent survey has indicated that over 90% of the respondents believe the future political system should be shaped according to the wishes of the Hong Kong people. We have always believed that the crucial issue of "convergence" hinges on the ICCPR and that there would not be any risks of "non-convergence" if any political development, whether before or after 1997, is made according to the wishes of Hong Kong people.
Time and again, the British have emphasized that the arrangements for the 94/ 95 elections should be "open, fair and acceptable to Hong Kong people". Yet, the British Government is again having secret talks with the Chinese and Hong Kong people are being left out. Not only are they not allowed to participate, they are even being deprived of the right to know. Further, the British Government has not established any channels to gauge public opinion, nor has she established any system to ensure that any agreement between the two sides is truly acceptable to Hong Kong people. Having been betrayed by the British in the Court of Final Appeal issue, which is just another example of non- adherence to the Joint Declaration and the ICCPR, the people of Hong Kong is extremely concerned that their interests will once again be sacrificed in exchange for British interests or as a result of British impotence. Say no to violation of basic human rights, and say no to any agreement not acceptable to Hong Kong people.
Respect the wishes of Hong Kong people!!
DEMAND
We strongly urge the British Government to fulfill its legal and moral obligations towards Hong Kong, and to ensure that the arrangement for the 94/ 95 elections and any future political development:
1) complies with the provisions of the ICCPR; and
2) is acceptable to the people of Hong Kong.
QUESTIONS
We formally request the British Government to respond to the following questions:
1) What assurances can the British Government give that any arrangements for the 94/95 elections and future political development comply with the ICCPR, particularly the provisions under Articles 25 and 26?
2) What assurances can the British Government give that any arrangements for the 94/95 elections and future political development are acceptable to the people of Hong Kong, rather than something that is imposed on Hong Kong people by the Chinese and British governments?
We anxiously await your prompt response. Please do not employ stalling tactics and wait until both sides have reached an agreement before responding perfunctorily.
Joint Association of People's Organizations for Promotion of Democracy
(ORIGINAL SIGNED)
Chan Hung, Convenor