Referring to an open letter by 44 academics against the implementation of Article 23 of the Basic Law carried by a US newspaper Tuesday, the spokesman held that "they have failed to take account of the serious efforts made by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to implement 'one country, two systems' in the area of protecting national security."

"Our proposals to implement Article 23, which are mainly based on existing laws, do not involve extending or applying mainland laws to Hong Kong," the spokesman pointed out.

"In formulating the proposals, we have narrowed down the scope of existing laws and removed antiquated provisions, wherever appropriate. All of our proposals are in line with established common law principles and international human rights standards," he said.

The spokesman described as groundless allegations that the judicial power of Hong Kong courts had already weakened.

"Our courts continue to function independently in upholding fundamental rights and freedoms and reviewing the lawfulness of executive actions," he noted.

On allegations of self-censorship, he said Hong Kong continues to enjoy the press freedom guaranteed under the Basic Law.

"In the past five years, the local media have been as robust as ever. The Hong Kong media continue to report freely, comment extensively and critically on various issues," he stated.

(Xinhua News Agency October 23, 2002)