- I am very pleased indeed that, after some pretty difficult and frustrating months, we have now managed to get talks with China underway. We have held 4 rounds of talks so far, in a good, businesslike atmosphere. As you know, the fourth round ended 3
days ago and we have agreed to hold a fifth round (?7-9 June).
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As agreed with the Chinese Government, the content of these talks is confidential, but their scope was defined in the announcement on 13 April.
There is no question of Hong Kong being cut out of this process. We have had the benefit of LegCo members' views as expressed in the various debates in the past six months. We have also had views from various political groups and the general public, including those published in the compendium. will continue to monitor public opinion closely, and to listen to members' views in the weeks ahead.
We
If an understanding is reached with the Chinese, we will recommend it to the people of Hong Kong and LegCo. It will then be for LegCo, exercising its constitutional role, to pass, amend or reject the relevant draft legislation.
- But I believe you have a number of matters you wish to raise with me today, so let me give you the chance to set the ball rolling.
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