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Press Briefings & Releases

Press Briefings & Releases


HKSARG's response to European Commission's Report on HKSAR 2003
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In response to media enquiries on the European Commission's Report on HKSAR 2003, a government spokesman said today (June 30) that the HKSARG had taken note of the report.

"'One Country, Two Systems' is being fully implemented in Hong Kong and people's rights and freedoms continue to be upheld. The HKSAR Government continues to govern Hong Kong in strict accordance with the Basic Law."

The spokesman said that the HKSAR Government attached great importance to the work relating to constitutional development. The Government would actively promote constitutional development in Hong Kong on the basis of maintaining "One Country, Two Systems" and adhering to the Basic Law.

He pointed out that in the light of the relevant provisions of the Basic Law and the decision of the Standing Committee of National People's Congress (NPCSC) adopted on April 26, the Constitutional Development Task Force headed by the Chief Secretary for Administration published its Third Report on May 11. The report set out the areas which might be considered for amendment in respect of the methods for the selection of the Chief Executive in 2007 and for forming the Legislative Council in 2008.

"From now until August 31, 2004, the Task Force will garner views and specific proposals from individuals and organisations in the community. In the autumn, the Task Force will consolidate the more representative views received in a further report for another round of public consultation," the spokesman said.

"There is plenty of room for us to contemplate changes to the election methods for selecting the Chief Executive and for forming the Legislative Council. We are collecting views from the community in this respect," the spokesman said.

The spokesman also said that the HKSAR had a constitutional responsibility to implement Article 23 of the Basic Law. "We appreciate the importance of public understanding and support in this matter. We are now reviewing the issues involved. There is no pre-determined timetable for the review," he said.

Ends/Wednesday, June 30, 2004

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