TNAG-1722-FCO40-2415-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Basic-Law-1988 — Page 14

POSSIBLE ELEMENTS FOR REVISED ARTICLE 169

for Feo 1835

A Interpretation by the Standing Committee

Principles of interpretation

I

i)

Decisions are of a legislative nature ie having

general effect and not directed to any specific

dispute. They will only have effect for the future.

[? is this the current law or does it need to be

written in]. Possible exception under head B II

ibl

below.]

II

ii)

[Decisions shall only be made when a doubt has

arisen as to the meaning of a provision].

iii)

Interpretation shall not contravene:·

(a)

(b)

the established basic policies of the PRC

regarding Hong Kong [cf art 170], and the

principle of "one country, two systems"

as enunciated in the preamble.

The provisions of the International Covenants

as applied to Hong Kong as provided in Article

38 (cf art 189 of the Civil Procedure Law).

iv)

[Decisions shall be confined to matters which are

not within the autonomy of the SAR].

Procedure for Interpretation

i)

Procedure not initiated or decision given as regards any

legal proceedings in being. Possible exception under

head Bii below.

/ii)