TNAG-2771-FCO40-3988-Coverage-of-Sino-British-talks-in-the-Hong-Kong-press-1993 — Page 59

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12. NCNA Branch Deputy Director Zhang Junsheng was quoted prominently by the papers (8.10) as saying the Governor had not changed his "three violations" stand. If this let to breakdown of the talks, the British side should bear the responsibility.

Li Peng

13. Speaking in a National Day reception in Peking, Chinese Premier Li Peng said (1.10), no matter what happened, the Chinese Government and people had the ability to resume sovereignty over HK and to maintain its long term stability and prosperity. Li said Deng Xiaoping's important remarks on HK made 11 years ago adequately reflected this determination.

Wang Qiren

14. HKMAO Vice-Director Wang Qiren said (4.10) in Peking that if the British side submitted the Governor's package to LegCo, it would signify that the British side were putting an end to the talks unilaterally. This would bring serious consequences on Sino- British co-operation on HK. Wang said if it was because the British side's contravention of the 'three conformities' that led to no agreement on the talks, the 1994/95 LegCo would cease operation in 1997 and a new legislature would be elected in accordance with the BL. Wang said no matter what happened, China had the confidence and ability to ensure HK's smooth transition and maintain its stability and prosperity.

JLG

15. Commenting on the progress of the JLG, the leader of the Chinese JLG team, Guo Fengmin, said (4.10) the Chinese side had already raised many comments on a number of issues such as the civil service pension scheme but the British had failed to provide any concrete proposals. Guo also cited the CFA as an example that the British side had failed to implement an agreement. On military Land the Chinese side were now waiting for a response from the British side. Guo said Chinese and HK experts were studying the Localisation of HK Laws and he was not worried that there would be a legal vacuum in HK after 1997.

16. The papers (6.10) noted in good coverage that Hugh Davies arrived in HK to take up the post of head of the British side of

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