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John Walden: Sir Geoffrey was just confirming what had already been said by Chinese officials in the beginning. He was confirming that British negotiators had not scored any major political point. I am worried there will be no formal consultation of HK people's views on the 1997 question.
Lau Wong-fat (Heung Yee Kuk): Sir Geoffrey had made some guarantees to restore the confidence of investors rather than just repeated what Chinese leaders had said.
Lau Chin-shek (Christian Inudstrial Committee): The statement was a bit disappointing because it did not include any concrete details from the talks. Sir Geoffrey had stressed consultation with HK people but had falled to provide the necessary information for debate.
Alice Chong Yuk Tak-fun (HK and Macau Anglican Church): The HK Government should respond appropriately to make people ready for the future autonomy by moving gradually towards a more representative government and by promoting public education.
Andrew Wong (CU): As both sides have evidently reached agreement on the broad principles, why were they not put in a draft form to boost confidence?
Lau Nai-keung (Meeting Point): The statement was very welcoming and very positive. But a lot of local people would like to hear more details.
Vincent Ko (Central and Western District Board): Sir Geoffrey failed to ease the minds of those people who have deep worries about the future because he said the two governments were still some way from an agreement.
Chu Wong-kee (Wan Chai District Board): Empty words will no longer pacify
the anxiety of most of the local population.
Pao Ping-wing (Urban Councillor): Sir Geoffrey's statement was a summary of what local people had already heard through various channels.
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