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| HK leader responds to residents' concerns |
| CCTV.COM 2003-07-18 12:07:54 |
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The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Tung Chee－hwa, says his government has a duty to implement Article 23 of the Basic Law, and the schedule of the entire legislative process will depend on how the public consultation goes. He made the remarks at a press conference on Thursday.
The Hong Kong leader said that he would open new talks on the contentious anti－subversion bill, known as article 23.
Tung says his government is seriously examining Hong Kong residents' aspirations and concerns with a view to learning from the experience.
Tung reiterated that Hong Kong must enact the national security legislation.
Tung said, "I consider, and I have said this many times, that the government has a duty to implement Article 23 of the Basic Law, but everybody can see that although the consultative and legislative process has been underway for nearly a year, many of our citizens still do not understand the contents. Thus the government has decided it is necessary to put forward the bill to the whole community for consultation again."
He also said he would meet more regularly with political parties, news media and community leaders so he can stay better informed of public opinion.
Tung said his government is taking advantage of the new opportunities brought about by the closer economic partners arrangements between the mainland and Hong Kong, known as CEPA. The government will also use the enhanced co－operation with Guangdong Province to formulate short and medium－term policy initiatives so as to step up the region's economic restructuring.
He stressed that during his visit to Beijing on Saturday he will make a further request to the central government to speed up the implementation of various arrangements under CEPA.
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Editor: Xiao Wei CCTV.com
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