XN000022-1996-01-31 — Page 21

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According to the Chinese National People's Congress Decision of April 4, 1990, the PC is to be responsible for preparing for the establishment of the HKSAR Government, including the formation of the Selection Committee which is to elect the first Chief Executive (CE).

Mr Ng said the PC had just started its work and how it actually carried out its tasks must be a matter for the Committee itself.

Noting that there were 94 Hong Kong members in the PC, including 14 from the Legislative Council, he said no doubt they would serve as a conduit in reflecting the views and concern of the people of Hong Kong.

"We are pleased to note that Vice Premier Qian Qichen had said that the PC should extensively solicit opinions from Hong Kong people.

"Indeed, we understand that one of the working rules adopted by the PC is that it will take fully into account democratic principles and listen to the views of all sectors of the community," he said.

On the modalities of co-operation, Mr Ng said a large measure of agreement was reached at the two Foreign Ministers' meeting in London last October, including the establishment of a Liaison Office within the Hong Kong Government as a focal point of contact for the PC.

He pointed out that earlier this month, the Chinese Foreign Minister reaffirmed to the Secretary of State the Chinese Government's acceptance of Hong Kong Government's offer for co-operation with the PC.

The Liaison Office stood ready to assist the PC as it began to carry out its immensely important tasks, he said.

"We are committed to the principle of openness and transparency in our dealings with the PC, and will account to this Council and the public for our actions," he added.

On the Hon Emily Lau's suggestion regarding the methods for selecting the first and subsequent CE of HKSAR, and for forming the first and subsequent HKSAR Legislature, Mr Ng said the relevant methods and procedures were already prescribed in the Basic Law and the decision of the Chinese National People's Congress adopted on April 4, 1990.

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