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Govt supports HK's democratic development
(China Daily)
Updated: 2005-12-03 06:37
SHENZHEN: A Chinese lawmaker said on Friday that the central government
supports democratic development in Hong Kong in a legal and progressive manner.
"During his meeting with Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region (HKSAR) Donald Tsang on November 18, President Hu Jintao
made very clear the stand of the central government on the development of the
political system in Hong Kong," said Qiao Xiaoyang, deputy secretary-general of
the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.
Addressing a symposium in Shenzhen, Qiao said it is necessary to truly
understand the speech of President Hu in order to make an objective and fair
assessment of the election reform package proposed by the government of HKSAR.
At the symposium, attended by Hong Kong legislators and Hong Kong people from
various circles, Qiao said that there are four main points in the stance of the
central government expressed by Hu:
Firstly, it is the central government's consistent policy to support the
HKSAR in its efforts to develop a democratic system which suits the actual
situation in HK, in accordance with the law and in a step-by-step manner.
Promoting democracy in HK step by step with the ultimate goal of electing the
HKSAR Chief Executive and all members of the Legislative Council by universal
suffrage has been explicitly stated in the HKSAR Basic Law. It is also a solemn
commitment made by the central government.
Secondly, it is the central government's consistent stand that HK's political
system should be developed in a steady, down-to-earth and orderly manner, in
accordance with the Basic Law and the reality in HK.
Thirdly, the central government sincerely hopes HK people from various
circles and communities will take the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong
Kong into account, and try to reach a consensus through rational discussions and
consultations.
Fourthly, the central government sincerely hopes Hong Kong people of various
circles and communities will work hard together to create favourable conditions
for the realization of the ultimate goal of general election for the Chief
Executive and all Legislative Council members as stipulated by the Basic Law.
(China Daily 12/03/2005 page2)
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