ENG-1989 — Page 66

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IMPLEMENTATION

OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION:

THE events which occurred in China in the middle of the year inevitably disrupted the work of the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group (JLG) and the Sino-British Land Commission. The 13th meeting of the JLG originally scheduled for July was postponed. Normal business between the two JLG offices in Hong Kong and in the Land Commission was also temporarily suspended to allow time for reflection by both sides.

Following a meeting between the then British Foreign Secretary, Mr John Major and the Chinese Foreign Minister, Mr Qian Qichen in Paris at the end of July, it was agreed that the 13th meeting of the JLG should be held in September. The September meeting established the basis for a return to productive work. Resumption of the Land Commission meeting followed in December. Both governments reaffirmed their full commitment to the successful implementation of the Joint Declaration. The British Government also reaffirmed its commitment to administer Hong Kong effectively until 1997.

Meanwhile, the deadline for the solicitation of opinions on the second draft of the Basic Law published in February was extended until the end of October to give Hong Kong people more time to forward their views to the Basic Law Consultative Committee.

The Sino-British Joint Liaison Group

The Sino-British Joint Liaison Group was established in accordance with the provisions of Annex II to the Joint Declaration. Its functions are to conduct consultations on the implementation of the Joint Declaration, to discuss matters relating to the smooth transfer of government in 1997, and to exchange information and conduct consultations on such subjects as may be agreed by the two sides. As the JLG is an organ for liaison, and not an organ of power, it plays no part in the administration of Hong Kong.

The JLG comprises a senior representative and four other members on each side. Supporting staff and experts also attend meetings as appropriate. In accordance with the provisions in Annex II to the Joint Declaration, the JLG has taken Hong Kong as its principal base since July 1, 1988. Both sides have established their offices here and their respective senior representatives are now resident in Hong Kong. This has facilitated closer liaison which has led to more rapid progress on many issues. The JLG will, nevertheless, continue to hold plenary sessions at least once every year in Beijing and London, as well as in Hong Kong.

Despite the temporary disruption to the work of the JLG, three meetings were held during the year and progress was made in a number of important areas. The two sides continue to work closely together to find solutions which are in the best overall interests of Hong Kong and its future.

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