|
Hong Kong governor refuses to help interim legislature
Patten, successor 'agree to disagree'
December 23, 1996
Web posted at: 12:05 p.m. EST (1705 GMT)
HONG KONG (CNN) -- Hong Kong's colonial governor Chris Patten on Monday refused a request by future leader Tung Chee-hwa to support the interim legislature China will install in the territory when the British depart next year.
In their first meeting since Tung was named chief executive by a China-organized committee 12 days ago, the two men "agreed to disagree," a spokesman for Patten said.
Remarks from future Hong Kong chief Tung Chee-hwa and outgoing Governor Chris Patten (320K/29 sec. AIFF or WAV sound)
After their 90-minute talk, both Patten and Tung stressed their desire to cooperate. But Tung said Patten flatly refused to help the new legislature before the transfer of sovereignty to China on July 1.
Patten and Tung met against a backdrop of angry recriminations between Britain and China.
Over the weekend, with Tung's full support, China defied British objections and appointed a pro-Beijing provisional legislature for Hong Kong.
Patten: 'I won't cooperate'
The interim assembly was designed by China to replace the current one elected under Patten's democratic reforms and without Beijing's consent.
It would sit from July 1 until a new legislature can be created via elections.
But Patten's refusal to cooperate raises the prospect of two rival legislatures. The governor told CNN he would not help dismantle a democratic institution the people of Hong Kong were promised.
City University of Hong King political scientist Ming Sing predicts Beijing will try to use the provisional legislature to undo democratic reforms.
Meanwhile, China on Monday warned Britain not to "cause fresh troubles" in the last six months of its rule over Hong Kong.
The relationship between Patten and Tung will play a significant role in shaping events in the months before the handover.
But of far greater importance is the fact that Patten is on the way out, meaning the balance of power in Hong Kong already is shifting towards Tung.
Hong Kong Bureau Chief Mike Chinoy and Reuters contributed to this report.
Related stories:
- Hong Kong's Tung wins another endorsement - December 12, 1996
- Chinese-backed body chooses businessman to lead Hong Kong - December 11, 1996
- Amid protest, Hong Kong moves closer to new government - November 15, 1996
Related sites:
Note: Pages will open in a new browser window
- New York consulate of the People's Republic of China - news and educational information
- Hong Kong Government Information Centre
External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.
Tell us what you think!
You said it...
© 1996 Cable News Network, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.