JLG progress expected as fresh talks begin
Joint Liaison Group negotiators began a fresh round of talks in Beijing yesterday with the hope of a breakthrough on some outstanding issues.
Chinese team leader Zhao Jihua said there was reason to expect progress because Sino-British relations had improved recently.
But progress on some matters directly related to the transfer of sovereignty had been too slow, he said.
'On one hand we hope for a good result from this meeting, but on the other the mission is still very difficult.
'We hope a breakthrough can be made this time on issues that have had slow progress,' Mr Zhao said.
His UK counterpart Hugh Davies was also optimistic.
'It is certainly our intention to live up to the spirit of the Mid-Autumn Festival and produce the next sound harvest,' Mr Davies said. 'It is also our intention to make progress especially on the transfer of government and economic issues, which will be well received by Hong Kong people.' The latest round of meetings is expected to endorse the Container Terminal 9 reallocation plan and finalise arrangements for the handover ceremony.
