11 February 1997       Doc. 7756

ADOC7756

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

on the future of Hong Kong after 1st July 1997

presented by M. SCHWIMMER

and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

1.       On the grounds of the special historical relations between Hong Kong and Europe and because of Hong Kong's economic importance for the world, the Assembly expresses its great interest in the future of Hong Kong.

2.       The Assembly welcomes the end of the colonial status of the Territory of Hong Kong with its "handover" on 1 July 1997 to the People's Republic of China.

3.       With regard to the Sino-British Joint Declaration agreeing to the handover to the People's Republic of China signed in 1984, promising the continuing exercise of economic, political and civil freedoms, the Assembly appeals to the People's Republic of China to maintain Hong Kong's democratic institutions, the rule of law and freedom of the press, of assembly and of expression. Ultimately, economic success is inextricably linked to the rule of law, basic freedoms, and democratic institutions.

4.       The Assembly calls on the People's Republic of China to respect the Legislative Council which was freely elected in September 1995, to a four-year term. The full recognition of the freely expressed will of all parts of the population is a guarantee for the peaceful and successful transfer of sovereignty.

5.       The Assembly expresses its concern about the announcement of the Chinese government to abolish Hong Kong's elected legislature and to replace it with an appointed legislature.

6.       The Assembly recognises the Bill of Rights, which embodies all the freedoms in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as an important safeguard for basic rights and is concerned about China's announcement it will be repealed.

7.       Reconciliation and continuing dialogue between all political forces are essential to conserve the fragile local and international confidence in Hong Kong's future.

Signed: 1

Schwimmer, Austria, EPP

Johnston, United Kingdom, LDR

Berg, Norway, EDG

Kelam, Estonia, EPP

Lentz-Cornette, Luxembourg, EPP

Mota Amaral, Portugal, EPP

Pollo, Albania, EPP

Kelemen, Hungary, EPP

Pulgar, Spain, EPP

Ragnarsdóttir, Iceland, EDG

Seitlinger, France, EPP

Mautner-Markhof, Austria, EPP

Figel, Slovakia, EPP

Raškinis, Lithuania, EPP

Lukás, Czech Republic, EPP

Weyts, Belgium, EPP

Büchel, Liechtenstein, EPP

Bühler, Germany, EPP

Bribosia-Picard, Belgium, EPP

Schreiner, France, EDG

Columberg, Switzerland, EPP

Spahia, Albania, EPP

Hoeffel, France, EPP

Valleix, France, EDG

Frunda, Romania, EPP

Mészáros, Hungary, LDR

Probst, Germany, EPP

Schloten, Germany, SOC

Roseta, Portugal, EPP

Kuznetsov, Russia, EPP

Metrović, Croatia, EPP

Bušić, Croatia, EPP

Theis, Luxembourg, EPP

Martínez, Spain, SOC

Bolinaga, Spain, EPP

1 ¹       SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP: Group of the European People's Party

      EDG: European Democratic Group

      LDR: Liberal, Democratic and Reformers Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: Not registered