XN000022-1995-03-23 — Page 2

1.

-

Expert talks on the Court of Final Appeal

The fifth round of talks between experts of the British and Chinese sides of the Joint Liaison Group on matters relating to the Court of Final Appeal will be held in Hong Kong tomorrow (Friday).

The British team will be led by British Representative Mr Alan Paul. The Chinese team will be led by Chinese Representative Mr Chen Zuo'er. They will be assisted by experts from the two sides.

End/Thursday, March 23, 1995

COMAC is entirely independent

'The Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten hoped that the expert talks on the Court of Final Appeal (CFA) tomorrow would give an early indication of the sort of progress that could be made.

In reply to questions by reporters on the talks after visiting Tung Tau Estate this (Thursday) afternoon, Mr Patten said if both sides were able to co-operate in establishing the Court of Final Appeal, it would help to confirm views about future commitments to the rule of law.

He added that everyone knew that the CFA was one of the important foundation stones for Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.

When asked about the COMAC report, the Governor pointed out that COMAC was entirely independent.

"COMAC is independent, has always been independent, and will always be independent," he stressed.

"I don't see his reports before they are published, the Chief Secretary doesn't see his reports before they are published, nor would we ever seek to do so.