B.
TOMADJ
BASIC LAW
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The Basic Law will stipulate the policies of the PRC for post-1997 Hong Kong in implementation of paragraph 3(12) of the Joint Declaration. The House will understand that its drafting is a matter for the Chinese Government. But HMG naturally take the closest interest in the process. We believe that Hong Kong people attach the greatest importance to the Basic Law clearly and unambiguously reflecting all the provisions of the Joint
Declaration.
We welcome the efforts made by the Chinese Government to consult Hong Kong people on the drafting of the Basic Law and involve them in the drafting process.
After the most recent meeting of the Basic Law Drafting Committee in December, Hong Kong newspapers published what is in effect a full draft text of the Basic Law. We understand that the text will be formally published after refinement in May. Hong Kong people will then have four months to comment on it, before it is revised further. We welcome the fact that Hong Kong people will be fully consulted.
Inclusion of International Human Rights Covenants?
The present draft of the Basic Law as published in Hong Kong contains a clause stating "the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to Hong
I have Kong shall be implemented by the law of the Hong Kong SAR". no doubt that it is the intention of the Chinese Government to ensure that the Basic Law will enshrine the rights as present
enjoyed in Hong Kong.
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