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surrender of fugitive offenders between Hong Kong and

relevant countries. The next meeting of the JLG is

scheduled to take place in London in September.

THE BASIC LAW

3. The Basic Law will be a constitutional charter for Hong Kong, giving legal effect under the Chinese constitution to the provisions of the Joint Declaration. It was promulgated on 4 April by the Chinese National People's Congress after

nearly 5 years' work by the Basic Law Drafting Committee, composed of Hong Kong and Mainland Chinese members.

BILL OF RIGHTS

7. The Hong Kong Government published a draft Bill of

Rights for public consultation from 16 March to 6 June.

They intend to introduce the Bill into the Legislative Council this summer. The aim of the Bill is to give clear

effect in a single local law to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as applied to Hong Kong and to

make it directly justiciable in Hong Kong courts.

The Joint Declaration provides for the continued application

of the Covenant to Hong Kong after 1997. There is no

dispute with the Chinese about this: it is clearly reflected

in the Basic law. But the Chinese have expressed doubt that

it is necessary to have a Bill of Rights in Hong Kong.

JONAEN/2

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