Progressive development a common wish: official

It is unrealistic to demand the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government to put forward a constitutional reform proposal which cannot be implemented in 2007-2008, a Hong Kong official said Wednesday.

Secretary for Justice Elsie Leung made this remark while speaking at the Legislative Council motion debate on the Fourth Report of the Constitutional Development Task Force. She noted that the standing committee of the National People's Congress has made a clear and authoritative decision on the elections of the chief executive in 2007 and the Legislative Council members in 2008.

Progressive development of a democratic political system in Hong Kong is the common wish of the central authorities, Hong Kongpeople, legislators and the Hong Kong SAR government, Leung noted. She added that she hopes all will strive to find common ground and accommodate differences in a pragmatic manner to reach a consensus.

"This way, we may come up with a proposal that is both consistent with the Basic Law and the National People's Congress Standing Committee's Decision and acceptable to all, so that we could move ahead in the development of a democratic political system that suits Hong Kong's circumstances," she said.

Leung said the task force decided to adopt a measured, step-by-step approach to constitutional reform, which is considered in the best interests of the community, and is most conducive toward achieving the ultimate aim of universal suffrage.

Source: Xinhua