IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION
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24, 1988 respectively. The former will enter into force on completion of Swiss constitutional procedures, and the latter entered into force on the date of signature.
Sub-group on International Rights and Obligations
The Sub-group on International Rights and Obligations is the first standing sub-group set up by the Joint Liaison Group. It was formally established in July 1986 to examine and discuss matters relating to the continued application of international rights and obliga- tions affecting Hong Kong and to report its conclusions to the Joint Liaison Group. The sub-group, which has its principal base in Hong Kong, consists of three experts on each side, supplemented as necessary by other experts and supporting staff.
The large number of treaties and international obligations relevant to Hong Kong which the sub-group will have to examine individually means that its work will take a number of years to complete. So far the sub-group has held eight meetings and has made good progress. In 1988, expert exchanges in the sub-group have led to agreement between the two sides at the JLG on Hong Kong's continued participation in the following organisations after 1997:
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World Health Organisation: the SAR should maintain the present direct contacts with the World Health Organisation and should continue to participate in the Organisation's Regional Committee in its own capacity.
International Hydrographic Organisation: the SAR should continue to participate in activities of the International Hydrographic Organisation and produce its own navigational charts for Hong Kong waters.
International Atomic Energy Agency: the SAR should continue to participate in activities of the International Atomic Energy Agency and receive technical assistance from the agency.
Asia-Pacific Telecommunity: the SAR should continue to be an Associate Member of the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity. Hong Kong entities may, upon the nomination of the Hong Kong SAR Government, continue to be Affiliate Members.
United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs: Hong Kong's current participation
in the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs will be maintained. Interpol: Interpol Hong Kong should continue to be a Sub-bureau of Interpol and should continue with its present participation.
Land Commission
The Sino-British Land Commission was established in 1985 in accordance with Annex III to the Joint Declaration. Its function is to conduct consultations on the implementation of the provisions of Annex III on land leases and other related matters. The commission is com- posed of three officials on each side. Meetings of the commission are held in Hong Kong.
During 1988, the Land Commission held two formal meetings. Agreement was reached on the 1988-9 Land Disposal Programme to make available about 155 hectares of land, including 31.5 hectares for Container Terminal No. 7 and 60 hectares for the University of Science and Technology. In addition, the Land Commission agreed that a further five hectares of land may be released for commercial, residential and industrial development in the course of the year, if there was a demand for it. So far, 1.9 hectares have been added to the Land Disposal Programme.
Under the terms of paragraph 6 of Annex III to the Joint Declaration, premium income obtained by the Hong Kong Government from land transactions shall, after deduction of the cost of land production, be shared equally between the Hong Kong Government and