Portugal criticises China over Macao hanover negotiations

The Portuguese Governor of Macao has accused China of hindering negotiatons in the Joint Liaison Group, set up to plan the handover of the colony to Chinese rule in 1999.

The Governor, Rocha Vieira, told the Portuguese Council of State in Lisbon that China had not yet given sufficient assurances on rights, freedoms and guarantees in the territory after the handover.

He said he was convinced that all would be resolved before December 1999, but it would be helpful if such matters were settled earlier to reassure the population of Macau.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service