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PRIME MINISTER'S VISIT TO SWEDEN: 11-13 AUGUST 1993
Points to Make
Hong Kong
- Thank you for your helpful intervention with Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen in support of increased democracy in Hong Kong. Essential that the Chinese understand the link between strengthening democratic institutions on lines proposed by the Governor, and sustaining Hong Kong's attractiveness to
international business as a place where rule of law is
safeguarded.
- Mr Hurd had a worthwhile meeting in Peking with Qian Qichen on 8 July. He went not to negotiate or to reach an agreement but to focus the negotiations on the essential points, and on the need to make faster progress. They agreed to meet again in the margins of the UNGA in late September to review
progress.
Since then the eighth round of talks with the Chinese on
Hong Kong's electoral arrangements was held in Peking (20-22 July). The next round takes place 16-17 August.
We are keen to make progress in our talks with the Chinese side in the best interests of Hong Kong. But time is not
unlimited if practical arrangements for the 1994/95 elections
are to be ready in good time.
- Our aim is to secure agreement on electoral arrangements which are fair, open and acceptable to the people of
Hong Kong.
brief.visswede.NAT
JEB
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