BEIJING, June 23: China and Britain today reached an important agreement on the entry of advance troops of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Hong Kong before the actual handover of Hong Kong on July 1 at oooo hrs.

The Chinese government had requested for an early deployment of PLA troops in Hong Kong since a galaxy of Chinese leaders including Chinese President Jiang Zemin and Premier Li Peng would be in town for the handover ceremonies.

Though the British side has been adamant on this issue for a long time in the name of sovereignty, signs of a rethinking appeared on Saturday when Hong Kong governor Chris Patten said a compromise could be possible so as to ensure a smooth transition.

Xinhua news agency reports from Hong Kong that the Chinese and British sides of the sino-British Joint Liaison Group (JLG) have reached agreement on the entry of advance troops of the PLA in Hong Kong prior to zero hour of July 1. The PLA advance troops comprising 509 officers and men will enter Hong Kong at 2100 hrs on June 30.Of the total number, 146 will be stationed at Shek Kong and 183 at Stonecutters island.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.