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Hong Kong marks last new year under British rule
February 6, 1997
Web posted at: 3:45 p.m. EST (2045 GMT)HONG KONG (CNN) -- Hong Kong residents seemed to forget politics and other worries as the tiny colony geared up to welcome the Year of the Ox, its last Lunar New Year celebrations under British rule.
With the clock ticking toward transition to Chinese sovereignty at midnight on June 30, Hong Kong's 6.3 million people took time out from hectic schedules for the Chinese equivalent of a western Christmas or American Thanksgiving. The new year, marked by Chinese around the world, begins on Friday.
China has promised Hong Kong 50 years of autonomy but has fueled concern by recommending that a string of laws, including parts of the Bill of Rights, be repealed after the handover.
Hong Kong residents celebrate the Chinese New Year 
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Reuters contributed to this report.
Related stories:
- Panel votes to amend Hong Kong's civil liberties laws - February 1, 1997
- Human rights take center stage in Beijing talks - January 29, 1997
- Pro-democracy activists protest in Hong Kong - January 27, 1997
- Hong Kong warily counting down to reunion with China - December 30, 1996
Related sites:
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- The Hong Kong Transition Project
- Hong Kong Organization
- Hong Kong Supernet Home Page
- The Complete Hong Kong Guide
- The Better Hong Kong Foundation
- South China Morning Post: Countdown to History
- Hong Kong Government Information Centre
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