|
Dear All
Hello
On the 1 July 1997, after more than 150 years of British control Hong Kong was handed back to China.
The British flag was lowered over Government House - home to the last Governor Chris Patten for the past five years.
In his farewell speech, Mr Patten said: "The story of this great city is about the years before this night and the years of success that will surely follow it."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A huge fireworks display lit up Victoria Harbour and there was a banquet
which Prince Charles, Prime Minister Tony Blair, Foreign Secretary Robin Cook and Chris Patten attended.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In Beijing the ceremony was watched on giant screens erected in Tiananmen Square.
At the stroke of midnight, the red digits of the countdown clock turned to zero and the handpicked crowd roared its approval.
Tung Chee-hwa was sworn in as Hong Kong's new leader.
"This is a momentous and historic day ... Hong Kong and China are whole again," said Mr Tung.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discussions between Britain and China on the future of Hong Kong began in 1982 and the joint declaration was signed in 1984.
Democratic elections were held in 1995 for the new Legislative Council.
Proposals to introduce controversial new security laws in 2002 galvanised public opinion to a degree not seen since the handover.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Take gentle care
Best wishes
Elizabeth, EOS
xx
|
|
Dear All
Hello
For some reason, there have been many news stories over the years in early July.
On 2 July 2005, 10 cities, including London, Philadelphia, Paris, Berlin, Johannesburg, Rome and Moscow hosted concerts with a theme to tackle world poverty.
It was one of the largest TV audiences since the original Live Aid concert in 1985.
Bob Geldof said the day had been "full of hope and possibility and life".
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Live8 concerts were intended to draw attention to the summit of G8 leaders meeting to discuss global poverty at Gleneagles in Scotland.
The G8 summit did agree to a $50bn aid programmed for the developing countries.
The G8 nations also agreed to cancel the debts of 18 poorest countries ,
while Africa continued to campaign for all African debts to be cancelled.
However, the USA opposed all measures to tackle climate change.
Take gentle care all
Best wishes
Elizabeth, EOS
xx
|
|
Well you learn something new every day can't believe that H.K. was handed over to China nearly 16 yrs ago it just seems like yesterday watching it on TV and I think I remember most of all you've written 2nd July seems to be a popular day for getting things done! :-D
|
