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Hong Kong's Tung wins another endorsement
December 12, 1996
Web posted at: 12:30 p.m. EST (1730 GMT)SHENZHEN, China (CNN) -- Hong Kong's future leader was endorsed Thursday by Hong Kong's Preparatory Committee, a China-controlled panel crafting the territory's future political institutions.
Tung Chee-hwa was selected by a different China-controlled body a day earlier. He said he hopes to smooth the transition as Britain prepares to hand back Hong Kong to Beijing next July 1.
The Preparatory Committee, meeting in the boomtown of Shenzhen, across the border from Hong Kong, was working on procedures for selecting the legislature on December 21, the next step toward Chinese rule.
Hong Kong's Democratic Party has condemned the move as an attempt to snuff out democracy, and vowed to challenge the legislature's legality in the courts. But Tung said he would like to sit down with the Democrats and "peacefully" discuss transition problems.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Related stories:
- Chinese-backed body chooses businessman to lead Hong Kong - December 11, 1996
- Amid protest, Hong Kong moves closer to new government - November 15, 1996
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- New York consulate of the People's Republic of China - news and educational information
- Hong Kong Government Information Centre
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