"The Chief Executive, Mr. Tung Chee Hwa, was very concerned that a large number of citizens took part in the procession today," said the press release.

A large number of Hong Kong residents took to the streets Tuesday to express their concerns on the proposed enactment of the National Security (Legislative Provisions) Bill in Hong Kong.

Tung expressed his understanding of the aspirations of the participants. He said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government understood fully the importance the community attached to their rights and freedoms. On this, "the government and the public share the same position."

"We shall continue to take active steps to maintain and safeguard rights and freedoms and develop democracy in a gradual and orderly manner according to the blueprint laid down in the Basic Law," he was quoted as saying in the press release.

He pointed out that enactment of the National Security (Legislative Provisions) Bill was a constitutional duty of HKSAR. Just like nationals of other places, Hong Kong citizens have a duty to protect national security. In discharging this obligation, the government has pledged that the rights and freedoms which have been enjoyed by the people of Hong Kong will not be affected by enactment of the legislation.

"The government appreciates the hardship suffered by the public in the process of economic restructuring in recent years. It is making every effort to promote successful restructuring as well as taking all necessary measures to relieve unemployment," he said.

The government will listen more extensively and strive to strengthen communication with the public, he said. Tung said he hoped that the community would build on the spirit of solidarity developed in the fight against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and work together to relaunch Hong Kong and revitalize the economy as soon as possible, according to the press release.

(Xinhua News Agency July 1, 2002)