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Members want to know how the Garrison Law would be applied to Hong Kong. It would be for the Chinese side to explain how this is to be done in a manner consistent with the Basic Law. It is important to ensure that the Garrison Law can be firmly rooted in Hong Kong's legal and judicial systems and can be effectively applied locally.
Mr President, I am sure that Honourable Members have noticed that these points sound familiar. They are consistent with what we have said in this Council during the motion debate on 10 July and on other previous occasions. Naturally, Honourable Members could expect us to convey the same points to the Chinese side, including of course the point that the Garrison Law must be consistent with provisions in Article 14 of the Basic Law governing the PLA's exercised duties in areas other than the defence of the HKSAR. We will, of course, also seek to clarify other important points arising from the text of the Garrison Law which they handed over to us through the JLG channel. We have at the same time expressed our wish to continue the very useful informal contacts between experts of both sides on this urgent and important matter.
We are fully aware of the Chinese side's position that the Garrison Law is a matter within China's sovereignty. We have no intention to challenge their right to take final decisions on it. Nevertheless, the task of drafting the Garrison Law is both challenging and difficult. It has to bridge the gap between two entirely different legal and judicial systems. It has to firmly adhere to the principles of "one country, two systems", "a high degree of autonomy", and other commitments in the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law. More importantly, it has to be acceptable to the people of Hong Kong. For these reasons, we urge the Chinese side to listen to the views of Hong Kong people on this subject. On our part, we will be failing our responsibility if we do not offer our assistance to the Chinese side to complete this complicated job. Given their wide experience in Hong Kong's legal system, our experts have constructive views and ideas which can assist the Chinese side in arriving at a Garrison Law which helps to remove any worries that the public and foreign investors may have. We hope that the Chinese side can be as transparent as possible in their handling of the matter, and take into account the different views expressed in finalising the Garrison Law, so that at the end of the day Hong Kong will have a widely accepted and supported legislation.
Thank you, Mr President.
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