11.   As Mathews noted, China has given Hong Kong the Basic Law, the first constitution the colony has ever had.

12.   However, the former British colony would have to change its banking laws to bring in the Arab institutions.

13.   The colony has more than two dozen race sheets and many more newspapers offering racing coverage.

14.   The colony has more than two-dozen race sheets and many more newspapers offering regular racing coverage.

15.   The former British colony has no stock exchange.

16.   The former British colonies have judicial systems consisting of minor courts, a Supreme Court and an Appeals Court.

17.   Nor does this British colony have a constitution to flaunt itself as a beacon of liberty.

18.   Portugal Monday said its former colony East Timor had the right to self-determination and expressed concern at the human rights situation in the Indonesian province.