TNAG-2612-FCO40-3803-International-support-from-European-countries-regarding-the--1992 — Page 14

EN

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Considers it in the interest of not only Hong Kong, but also of the People's Republic of China, that after 1 July 1997 Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region retains a genuine economic independence as well as the individual liberties specified in the 1984 Joint Declaration;

Asks the government of the People's Republic of China to work for the creation of a general climate of confidence concerning the future of Hong Kong both among the population of Hong Kong and among potential investors and trading partners;

Stresses in this connection the importance of unconditional respect for human rights in Hong Kong up to and after 1997 in line with the international commitments of the United Kingdom and the People's Republic of China;

4. Considers that such assurances are essential to avoid a permanent emigration of highly skilled labour and business managers with the right of abode outside Hong Kong;

5. Welcomes the initiatives taken by certain Member States to offer citizenship to Hong Kong residents on a basis which does not require them to emigrate now and asks all Member States to consider similar measures to encourage the people of Hong Kong to remain beyond 1997;

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Reiterates its demand that the Commission and the Council do everything possible on behalf of the European Community to support Hong Kong and the People's Republic of China in their endeavours to attain the objectives set out in the Joint Declaration and its annexes;

Stresses in particular the need for Hong Kong to remain a member in its own right of various international economic organisations such as GATT and the Customs Cooperation Council if it is to retain the high degree of economic autonomy spelled out in the Joint Declaration;

Points to the fact that from 1 July 1997 relations with Hong Kong will no longer be the main responsibility of one member state but of the Community as a whole and therefore considers it prudent that the Community monitors closely the situation in Hong Kong in order to discharge its duties after 1997;

Stresses the importance of maintaining the competitiveness of Community trade on the Pacific Rim and in China and recognizes the vital strategic position of Hong Kong in that respect;

10. Considers it therefore of vital importance that the Community establish a

delegation in Hong Kong as soon as possible;

11. Stresses equally the importance of the guaranteed continued individual

representation of Hong Kong with the EC after 1997;

12. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments of the Member States, the Hong Kong authorities and the Government of the People's Republic of China.

PV 23 II

09.07.1992

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42

PE 161.604