XN000022-1996-09-19 — Page 7

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37th JLG meeting: Joint Communique

The Joint Liaison Group held its thirty-seventh meeting in Peking from September 17 to 19.

The Group had a discussion about the transfer of Government, including the transitional budget and related matters, transfer of archives, government assets, the handover ceremony etc; matters relating to Hong Kong's international rights and obligations; Hong Kong's air services agreements; civil service matters; the defence of Hong Kong and public order; franchises and contracts extending beyond 1997 and related matters, (including the railway development strategy and container terminals); investment promotion and protection agreements between Hong Kong and relevant countries; surrender of fugitive offenders agreements between Hong Kong and certain countries; the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgements in civil and commercial matters between Hong Kong and foreign countries; localisation of laws, adaptation of laws; the Court of Final Appeal; the implementation of the provisions of the Joint Declaration relating to the right of abode in Hong Kong after 1997; visa abolition agreements; and Vietnamese migrants in Hong Kong (boat people and refugees).

The next meeting of the Joint Liaison Group will take place in Hong Kong at a time to be decided.

End

Governor visits Yau Tsim Mong District

The Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, was updated on the general situation in Yau Tsim Mong district during his visit today (Thursday).

Mr Patten first toured the Flower Market, or 'Fa Hui', where he was briefed on the history and operation of the market, which has more than 60 florists who account for more than 80 per cent of the flowers sold wholesale in the urban area.

Later at the activity centre of Yau Ma Tei and Tsim Sha Tsui Culture and Arts Association (YTCAA), he viewed an exhibition of Chinese painting and calligraphy by local artists.