CALL ON MR LENNOX-BOYD BY MR DAVID GREENWAY, BOSTON GLOBE
(19 OCTOBER)
HONG KONG : Talks with China on election arrangements
Points to make
Talks have been taking place in Peking in a businesslike
atmosphere since April. But progress has been slow and the gap
between us remains wide.
- Mr Hurd told the Chinese Foreign Minister, when they met in
New York recently, that we were serious in wanting to reach an
agreement. But not at any price. It remains an essential
point for us that elections held under British administration
should be open, fair and acceptable to the people of Hong Kong.
We believe that strong democratic institutions and the rule
of law have a key part in safeguarding Hong Kong's way of life-
as promised in the Joint Declaration.
We tabled revised proposals in July and August, with the aim
of reaching agreement. These represented a major effort to meet China's concerns, while preserving our essential
principles. So far we have not seen a commensurate response.
We want to give the talks every chance of success. We know
this is what Hong Kong people would want us to do. But there
is not infinite time, and we are now looking at weeks rather
than months. We need to have legislation in place in good time for local elections in 1994 and the Legislative Council
elections in 1995.
- In the end, it will be for the Legislative Council to consider and pass the necessary legislation.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.