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significant role in the promotion of Hong Kong's prosperity. The election system of the Urban Council is by no means only a show window of democracy. It is a pragmatic system for the fulfilment of Council functions and I wish to draw your attention that the Urban Council should never be merged with or replaced by any organization. I would also like to call on all people in Hong Kong to stick to their posts and dedicate themselves to their work in the coming 13 years to ensure greater stability and prosperity during the transitional period.
(1) Introduction to the Agreement
Paragraph 19 in the Introduction to the Agreement states: 'The agreement is legally binding in all its parts. An international agreement of this kind is the highest form of commitment between two sovereign states.'
This and the provisions in the annexes set out which of the present systems and how far they will be retained after 1997.
It also provides that a Sino-British Joint Liaison Group will be established and continue operating until 1 January 2000. Its terms of reference manifest that it is not an organ of power, and neither will it play a part in the administration of Hong Kong nor have any supervisory role. The agreement assures Hong Kong of a high degree of autonomy, vested with executive, legislative and independent judicial power as well as the power of final adjudication.
These important features are all listed in the agreement. And, our demand for elected seats in the Legislative Council is also accepted. It is not surprising that some foreign commentators have said that Hong Kong has a sound foundation for sustained progress. The queues at places where the White Paper was distributed show that the people of Hong Kong are concerned with their rights and interests and are no longer politically indifferent. Nearly everyone now has a copy of the draft agreement and comments are coming in fast, including favourable remarks from countries in Southeast Asia, Europe and America. So far over 90% of the comments are mainly favourable. If there are still any imperfections in the draft agreement, they will be made good before the promulgation of the Basic Law.
(2) Annex III—Land Leases
A.
It is stated that land leases may be extended to the end of June 2047 without payment of additional premium.
B. A Land Commission will be established which will only be dissolved on 30 June 1997. The solutions devised for the land issues, owning and use of the proceeds from the leasing of land, are all quite favourable to the property owners, especially the indigenous New Territories residents.
(3) Public Order
In section 12 of Explanatory Notes, it is stated that the British garrison will be withdrawn in 13 years' time and the Central People's Government of the
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People's Republic of China will be responsible for the defence of the Special Administrative Region. The troops despatched by China will not interfere in the internal affairs of the Special Administrative Region, and the expenditure for the military forces will be borne by the Central People's Government.
It is much to our advantage that we don't have to pay for our defence. However, the law and order situation in the 13-year transitional period should be a matter of our utmost concern. With a poor state of law and order, we can hardly talk about prosperity. So we must pay attention to the functions of the police and the army. The British government should exercise special supervision over these forces. The salaries for the armed forces in particular should not be overlooked. These measures are to ensure a peaceful transition.
(4) The Independent Commission Against Corruption
The I.C.A.C. is not mentioned in the agreement. Since its establishment, the I.C.A.C. has played a significant role in the preservation of Hong Kong as an honest and upright society free from corruption. It is specially commissioned by the Governor. Should it continue in the same way? I hope the Commission will continue operating to prevent corruption and to maintain our clean image. It should be encouraged to carry on its tasks and even to expand itself.
(5) 13-year Transitional Period
While many may live through the transitional period, few of the commentators here today, I am afraid, will see beyond 2047 (63 years from now). The draft agreement, a result of 22 rounds of negotiation at a place 5 000 miles away from Hong Kong, is a long-term arrangement made for the later generations. We must not forget that we are Chinese with our traditional virtues. We only try our best to do what should be done, and leave the unpredictable future to the future generations. As an old saying goes, 'Let the later generations enjoy the fruits of our labour'.
Hong Kong cannot deny that China is like a natural, and Britain, a foster parent, both wishing to see it prosper and harbouring no ill-feeling against it. The people of Hong Kong should therefore accept their good will.
Mr. Chairman, I support all the motions before Council.
(Mr. LEE Chik-yuet arrived at 3.05 p.m.)
MR. EDMUND W. H. CHOW (in Cantonese):-Mr. Chairman, the question of Hong Kong's future which has attracted worldwide attention is finally settled. An agreement was initialled after tremendous efforts by the two parties in the negotiations held in the past two years. It has set a good example for the settlement of international disputes left over from history in peace through negotiations under friendly atmosphere. Of course, it is a piece of good news for the peace-loving Chinese (including the people of Hong Kong) and will also have great impact on international relations, possibly helping to ease or remove