TNAG-1840-FCO40-2615-House-of-Commons-Select-Committee-on-Foreign-Affairs-enquiry-1989 — Page 86

negotiate agreements and participate in international organisations in appropriate fields. It also envisages the continued applications

to Hong Kong of in international agreements and Hong Kong's

continued participation in international organisations, and provides

for continuity of representation by foreign states and organisations

currently represented in Hong Kong, subject to the approval of the

Central People's Government.

Section XII: Defence, Security and Public Order

The key points in this section are that the maintenance of public

order will be the SAR Government's responsibility; and that forces

sent by the Central People's Government to be stationed in Hong Kong

will not interfere in the SAR's internal affairs.

Section XIII: Rights and Freedoms

This section makes clear that the same protection under the law against infringements of basic rights and freedoms existing before the establishment of the SAR will be maintained. In particular, the

provisions of the International Covenants on Civil and Political

Rights and on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, as applied to Hong Kong, will continue to apply to the SAR.

Section XIV: Right of Abode, Travel Documents and Immigration

The purpose of this section is to provide for a high degree of continuity in these matters in ways consistent with the change in Hong Kong's status on 1 July 1997. It makes clear that the right to leave Hong Kong for any purpose, such as business, study or emigration, shall be maintained.