JOINT LIAISON GROUP
4.
The main forum for implementation of the Joint Declaration is the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group (JLG). Its terms of
reference are set out in Annex II to the Joint Declaration. The JLG meets at least three times a year in plenary session (in London, Peking and Hong Kong). There are also frequent informal contacts between the British and Chinese permanent JLG offices
in Hong Kong.
The main function of the JLG is to agree on the necessary legal and practical steps required to implement the Joint Declaration and to ensure a smooth transfer of sovereignty
in 1997. Much of its work is technical in nature.
5.
Agreements reached in the past include Hong Kong's continued participation in international organisations and the application to Hong Kong of International Labour Organisation conventions. During the Prime Minister's visit to China in September 1991, the two governments agreed to make greater efforts to increase the rate of achieving progress. Recent agreements in the JLG concern Hong Kong's extradition arrangements, Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements with foreign countries and multilateral treaties concerning health, conservation and trade. Areas being dealt with currently include Mutual Legal Assistance and the localisation of UK enactments applied to Hong Kong.
XXIV was held in London from 21
The next 23 September.
meeting will be in Hong Kong in December.
C
JLG
BASIC LAW
6.
The Basic Law, to come into force on 1 July 1997, will be a constitutional charter for Hong Kong. It provides under the
Chinese constitution for the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in accordance with the provisions
jd.BACKBRIEF.JRB
2
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.