Accord delayed

A NEWLY signed extradition agreement with the Philippines will not come into force until agreement has been reached with China on the final drafting of a new Fugitive Offenders Ordinance.

In announcing the accord, Secretary for Security Alistair Asprey said the text of the agreement had been approved by China as part of an effort to sign such deals.

The agreement with the Philippines, signed in Hong Kong on Monday, is the fifth of its kind and follows agreements with Malaysia, Australia, Canada and the Netherlands.

Mr Asprey said that given the close ties between Hong Kong and the Philippines, an agreement on the surrender of accused and convicted persons was essential in combating international crime.

Philippine President Fidel Ramos said the agreement was a major boost to efforts to combat international drug syndicates.