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during her visit. Mechanism of that consultation not yet clear.
Introduction of Direct Elections
7.
People
Public comment on proposals contained in the Green Paper published in Hong Kong in July showed little evidence of support for
introduction of direct elections in immediate future.
recognise need to en sure that Hong Kong's stability and prosperity are not put at risk by introducing too many constitutional changes
too rapidly. Further consideration will be given to question in
1987 review.
Will agreement be registered at the UN?
8. Yes. We shall register it at the UN in accordance with normal
international practice.
Pensions
9. The agreement provides that the SAR Government will pay all pensions, gratuities and other
and other benefits due to public servants dependents including those who have retired before 1 July 1997.
Conscription into PLA
10. The agreement does not refer
and
the question of conscription.
This is not to say that there will be conscription. Chinese
Government have not suggested that there would be. With one billion
Chinese people can see little need to conscript from 5 million Hong
Kong people.
Stationing of PLA in Hong Kong after 1997?
11. Clear the PRC will be responsible for
be responsible for SAR's defence. Whether troops be stationed there will be a matter for the Central People's Government. Agreement makes clear that public order will be
responsibility of the SAR government and that troops stationed in
SAR for the purpose of defence will not interfere in its internal
affairs.
Bill of Rights
12.
Agreement provides explicitly for maintenance by the SAR of rights and freedoms previously in force in Hong Kong and for them to be protected by law. Also stipulates that provisions of relevant
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