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arrangement between the two parties. However, before they can enter into any international agreement, the Hong Kong Government require an entrustment from the UK. They have now formally sought UK approval.
5.
Although most international agreements between the Community and third countries are negotiated by the Commission on the basis of a negotiating mandate from the Council, and are concluded by the Council, agreements concerning the status, privileges and immunities of Commission delegations overseas have in practice for many years been negotiated and concluded by the Commission. Over 100 such agreements have been agreed in this way. I do not recommend that we seek to make an exception to this practice in the Hong Kong case. This does not of course prevent us from working to ensure that the Commission does not acquire or extend its treaty making powers into new areas; we will continue to monitor any such developments closely.
Anneli Conroy.
Anneli Conroy
REF:ASIA-PACIFIC/1709.HKfinal
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