shall be constituted by elections.
China's Basic Law for Hong
Kong after 1997 sets out in more detail that the gradual
development of democracy which has been under way for a decade will continue beyond 1997.
15.
The talks we are holding with China are not therefore an argument about democracy. That principle is agreed. The argument is about whether the final round of elections to be
held under British sovereignty in 1994 and 1995 will be fair,
open and acceptable to the people of Hong Kong.
16. I know that some in the business community would prefer that we did not have this argument. But the point at issue is a vital one. We owe it to the people of Hong Kong to hold elections which give them a genuine choice. A credible legislature, resting on fair and open elections, is crucial to
upholding the rule of law on which so much else depends.
17. So there is a lot at stake, for all with an interest in
the future success of Hong Kong. The Governor has my full support and that of the British Government for the proposals
he has put forward. We would like to reach agreement with China on the detailed arrangements. To that end, we have put forward revised proposals in an effort to find common ground consistent with our position of principle.
Vide
18. The talks are continuing, although it is no secret that
they have not made much progress despite our strenuous
efforts. Time is now very short. I do not believe and nor does the Governor that an agreement is worth any price, although we will do our best to get one. At the end of the day we won't go further than the people of Hong Kong want, but nor will we go less far. That is the simple moral and political basis of our position. Ultimately it will be for the Legislative Council to pass the necessary legislation.
pm.speech.ADMIN
JEB
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