The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government spokesman issued a statement Wednesday welcoming the interpretation by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of Clause 2 in Article 53 of the Basic Law of HKSAR concerning the term of office of the new HKSAR Chief Executive (CE).

The spokesman said, "Empowered by the Constitution and the Basic Law, the NPC Standing Committee has made the most authoritative and legally binding interpretation concerning the term of office of the new CE."

He added that "it effectively settles the debate on the term of office, removes the uncertainties affecting the normal operation of the government and the community, and ensures that the new CE will be elected smoothly and in time on July 10."

The spokesman said, the interpretation by the NPC Standing Committee is timely and necessary, and is in line with the overall interests of the Hong Kong community."

The spokesman emphasized that, under the design of "One Country, Two Systems", the NPC Standing Committee has the constitutional power to interpret the Basic Law.

The spokesman said, "This is an integral part of the constitutional structure of the HKSAR. It is lawful and constitutional for the NPC Standing Committee to make interpretation in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law."

He stressed that "it would not affect 'One Country, Two Systems ', 'Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong' and a high degree of autonomy. Nor would it damage the rule of law on which Hong Kong's success is based."

The spokesman pointed out that a major task ahead for the HKSAR government is to put in place the relevant electoral arrangements for the by-election of the new Chief Executive.

"The interpretation by the NPC Standing Committee has provided a firm constitutional basis for the Amendment Bill concerning the term of office of the new Chief Executive. We hope that the Legislative Council will pass the Bill soon to complement the election on July 10," he added.

The spokesman said, "The HKSAR government sincerely hopes that members of the Legislative Council, different political parties and organizations and different sectors of the community work together in a harmonious spirit to strive for the stability and prosperity of the HKSAR."