-
47 -
Significant progress on transition to China: Governor
Significant progress has been made on major transitional issues in preparation for Hong Kong's return to Chinese sovereignty, according to the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten.
Opening the 1995-96 session of the Legislative Council today (Wednesday), Mr Patten said this was a great improvement from the formidable agenda of unfinished business which lay before him when he presented his first Policy Address to the Council in 1992.
These issues, on which little progress had been made in the Joint Liaison Group, involved business which was vital to Hong Kong's success, he said.
"After seven years of complex discussions on defence lands, we reached a comprehensive agreement in June 1994," Mr Patten said.
"This released nearly 140 hectares of land worth up to $65 billion to provide more new homes, offices, hotels, open space and other community facilities.
"In June this year, we brought to a conclusion five years of arduous negotiations on the financing of our new airport. This means that the construction of the airport can proceed rapidly, and we shall be able to finish construction of the airport just two years from now.
"After almost four years of uncertainty since 1991, we reached agreement with the Chinese Government in June this year on the establishment of the Court of Final Appeal on 1 July 1997.
"While I know that this issue was the subject of heated debate in this Council, I believe the passage of the Bill has provided certainty about the continuity of our judicial system where previously there had been doubt and uncertainty."
Outstanding issues included the right of abode issue, the Governor said.
"People need certainty about their residence rights, their travel documents and visa-free access to foreign countries," he said.
"We shall go on raising these concerns in the JLG, as well as with the United Kingdom. Both the sovereign powers have an important contribution to make in reassuring Hong Kong people on these matters.