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Now in this respect I'd like to say one word about the provisional legislature because quite frankly I've been very surprised at local reporting that there is a difference of opinion between the Governor and myself. Let me make it quite clear, there is no difference of opinion. The Administration's view remains that we have a legislature that was elected in fair and open elections last September. It is a credible, legitimate legislature that enjoys the support of the people of Hong Kong. Clearly the community wishes to see this legislature straddle 1997 and for members of the legislature to serve their full four year term. When I met Mr Lu Ping in Beijing earlier, I've already made it quite clear to him that we are opposed to the setting up of a provisional legislature. We will not provide any assistance in the setting up of this provisional legislature. We remain of the view that the current legislature should continue. Moreover, I have also made it clear we will not do anything that will in anyway undermine the working of the current legislature. In this respect of course we welcome Mr Qian Qichen's statement that on this side of 1997 there will only be one legislature. To that extent it take cares of one aspect of the problem. But whilst I was in the States I made it quite clear to everyone I met that I see great difficulty ahead in this area of the continuity of the legislature.
Question: Mrs Chan. Were you saying this in LA that it was inevitable ...?
CS: No. I think if your were there. I've double-checked everything I have said. I've stated the position which the Government has which I've just reiterated. I was then asked, but the Chinese have made it very clear they intend to proceed. So what I said was, yes it is true that many people have told us that the Chinese will proceed with this, I then followed on what I've already told you. So let me make that quite clear. I hope you will clarify that.
Question: Did you also go on to say that that if it was to be set up, then you would want it to be as representative as possible?
CS: It's not my view. I think it is the view of the Hong Kong people and it is the view of people outside. What they are concerned about is, if the Chinese insist that the current legislature cannot continue, then how is the provisional legislature going to be formed. Is it going to be representative? Because at the end of the day the concer must be how representative this provisional legislature and the new legislature to replace it will be. These are concerns that Hong Kong people have, these are concerns that the Americans have put to me at every level.
Question: Are there splits within the civil service about the legitimacy of the provisional legislature?
CS: No. I've already stated the Administration has one view and that view I've already restated very very clearly.
End