DUBLIN - The Irish Government has promised to "closely monitor" China's treatment of human rights and democratic principles in Hong Kong following yesterday's return of the former British colony to China, writes John Connolly.
Congratulating the Chinese government and the people of China on the return of Hong Kong to Chinese rule, the Government expressed its confidence in China's undertaking to replace the Provisional Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, as the former colony is now known, through free and fair elections within 12 months.
Mr Seamus Brennan TD, the Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Departments of the Taoiseach and Defence, represented the Government at the official ceremonies to mark the hand over.