XN000022-1996-01-08 — Page 4

- 3-

Question: What would you say are the priorities for the people of Hong Kong?

Mr Rifkind: I think the priorities for the people of Hong Kong are twofold and they are both connected, is to build on this extraordinary economic prosperity and vitality that has been achieved, but also to protect the way of life, the rule of law and the values that go up to making a good quality of life. These two are connected because unless people feel comfortable and confident with regard to the quality of life and the nature of their lifestyle and the rule of law, then that will have its implications to the wider economic issues as well. So it is right and proper that that should be understood by China, and I believe it is part of my task, as well as the task of many others to help bring that about.

Question: (inaudible)

Mr Rifkind: This is a gradual process. We have had a very good meeting in London a few months ago with the Chinese Foreign Minister. I believe there will be an opportunity for me to meet the Foreign Minister and other Chinese leaders and compare these views and I will certainly not hesitate to do so. There are very many areas on which there is agreement. There are some areas where there are differences of view. It is important that both should be dealt with, both should be listened to and considered at this particular time.

Question: Mr Rifkind, you have expressed your concern about the membership list of the.... the SAR Government, saying it is non-representative....

Mr Rifkind: Of course. Of course. It is in everyone's interest, including China's interest, that the Preparatory Committee should be as representative as possible of the views of the people of Hong Kong because that is part of the process of working for a successful transition which is what we are all trying to achieve.

Question: What message do you expect.....

Mr Rifkind: Well, I think there is a range of issues that we can discuss and do so in a courteous way and in a very constructive way, and I believe being an advocate for the views of the people of Hong Kong, which I have discussed with the Governor, which I shall be discussing with LegCo this afternoon, I think we are all working as a team, all with the same objective in mind. The Governor, the British Government, LegCo, and the people of Hong Kong, are all desiring the same objective and I believe that is an objective which is also in the interests of China. And therefore there should be the basis for the kind of progress that we wish to see.