LEGISLATORS yesterday called on China and Britain to resume work within the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group (JLG) to ensure a smooth transition despite the current dispute.
Speaking at a public forum,United Democrat legislator Mr Yeung Sum said the Sino-British row over the Governor's political reforms should not obstruct other work related to the smooth transition of sovereignty.
''Both governments should not stop discussion over all matters relating to 1997 although they hold different opinions on the political package,'' Mr Yeung, who is a vice-chairman of the United Democrats, said.
Although the JLG held a full meeting in December, discussions in the body's sub-groups have been almost brought to a halt.
Mr Yeung also urged China's Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr Qian Qichen, to meet British Foreign Minister Mr Douglas Hurd in March.
His comments came after the Director of the State Council's Hongkong and Macau Affairs Office, Mr Lu Ping, said whether there would be a meeting hinged on the attitude of the British.