Transcript of Secretary of State's media session
Following is the transcript of the media session by the British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, the Rt Hon Malcolm Rifkind, on his arrival in Hong Kong last (Saturday) evening:
Foreign Secretary: Good evening. I'm very very pleased to be back in Hong Kong on my first visit to Hong Kong as Foreign Secretary, but not my first visit to Hong Kong itself. Serving the interest of the people of Hong Kong is one of the most important priorities for the British Government over the next 18 months. And therefore I see this visit to Hong Kong as being of particular significance in order to have discussions with the Governor, to hear his views on some of the outstanding issues, to hear from the members of Legco who I'll be meeting in the near future, to hear from other people in Hong Kong their views on the particular problems, on the challenges we are going to be facing together, ensuring that the changes that will take place in 1997 will be as successful as we all believe and hope. I then go on to China, to Peking. And I see myself going to China as an advocate for Hong Kong, ensuring that together with the Governor and together with all those who are working for the best interest of the people of Hong Kong we can ensure that Hong Kong continues to have the bright future that it can feel itself entitled to look forward to. Now I'm happy to answer one or two questions.
Question (from ITN): Can you tell us, did your Government ...?
Foreign Secretary: If you don't mind, this evening I would like to just concentrate on Hong Kong...
Question: You are still Foreign Secretary. I beg your pardon.
Foreign Secretary: Absolutely. This evening, I'll answer questions on Hong Kong. There will be other opportunities on other subjects. Otherwise it is unfair to those who wish to ask about Hong Kong.
Question: Were there any further discussions in London on the right of abode for Hong Kong Chinese?
Foreign Secretary: Not in the last couple of weeks or so. I have no doubt the questions with regard to visas and visa free access and matters of that kind will be addressed in the not-too-distant future. My visit to Hong Kong, my visit to China will be an opportunity to hear some thoughts and ideas on this subject.