A leading official of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) stressed here Sunday that Hong Kong's constitutional development must be advanced in accordance with the Basic Law.

He said in an interview with Xinhua that the handling of constitutional development affairs must abide by the Basic Law, adding no violations will be allowed.

He made the remarks in response to Legislator Fernando Cheung's proposal for holding a "referendum" on the selection of the Chief Executive in 2007 and formation of the Legislative Council in 2008.

The official said the Liaison Office had observed that the HKSAR government had made an announcement on the issue. Hong Kong Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang declared on Oct. 19 that the HKSAR government will not conduct a referendum on the matter of constitutional development.

Responding to the proposal from some legislators to hold a referendum on the electoral arrangements for 2007 and 2008, Tsang said that it is simply not practical.

The official said the Liaison Office agrees with the HKSAR government's decision and the remarks.

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress's interpretation and decision on Hong Kong's constitutional development further clarified the necessary legal procedures and margins for amendments if the methods for selecting the Chief Executive in 2007 and formation of the Legislative Council in 2008 require amendments, the official said.

Source: Xinhua