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At the same time, we want to achieve as much continuity as possible. That is why our proposals were within the guidelines Laid down in China's Basic Law for Hong Kong. That is what we have wanted to discuss them with China.
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- We were glad to get down to talks with the Chinese side on this issue in April. Since then we have had 7 rounds of discussions. But we have Progress has been slow slower than we would wish. now reached the point where most of the preparatory work has been done. Chris Patten therefore suggested that it would be a good moment for me to take stock with my
to take stock with my Chinese counterpart. When the Governor was in London last week we decided that I should visit Peking briefly on my way back from Tokyo later this week. I am not going to negotiate. But I will be seeking to concentrate the negotiations on the essential points. We do not have unlimited time to reach an agreement, because we have to make the practical arrangements for the elections in 1994 and 1995. So the negotiators need to focus on the essentials and move forward more purposefully towards an agreement. will be my main message in Peking.'!
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