U.S. and Hong Kong (1998)

WHITE HOUSE DAILY BRIEFING, TUESDAY, MAY 26, 1998

Following is the White House transcript:

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THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary

May 26, 1998

PRESS BRIEFING
BY MIKE MCCURRY

The Briefing Room

[ ...Intervening Text... ]

Q: Is the Democratic Party's victory in the Hong Kong vote on Sunday a sign that democracy will continue, or are you concerned that it will spark problems with China?

MCCURRY: First of all, we congratulate the people of Hong Kong for their participation in record numbers in elections this past week that chose members of the LEGCO, the legislative council. Obviously we congratulate the winning candidates as well.

The results of the election shows that Hong Kong's people want more, not less, democracy, and care deeply about protection of their fundamental rights. We obviously stand with them in these beliefs and will continue through the efforts we make with the People's Republic to reinforce our strong beliefs about democratic institutions, the deepening of democratic processes, and the meaning they have to the current residents of Hong Kong.

Democracy and democratic elections are critical components in assuring that Hong Kong remains a free and dynamic society serving the interests of 6 million people, and serving the interests of a world that has profited from the commerce in goods and services with Hong Kong that we've enjoyed for many years.

[ ...Intervening Text... ]

THE PRESS: Thank you.

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