An official in charge of the Commission of Legislative Affairs of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on Saturday described as important the speech made Saturday by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa regarding Article 23 of the Basic Law.
"Safeguarding national security is a prerequisite for the successful implementation of 'one country, two systems', a prerequisite for maintaining good relations between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland, and it is a prerequisite for revitalizing the economy and safeguarding our long-term interests," Tung said at a press conference on the HKSAR government's amendments to the drafted National Security Bill, known as Article 23.
The NPC official said that he fully agree with Tung on that legislation of Article 23 is the solemn responsibility of the HK people and the HKSAR government to implement the Basic Law and safeguard national security, which is a prerequisite for the successful implementation of the principles of "one country, two systems" and "HK people governing HK".
During the legislative process of Article 23, the HKSAR government has always been listening to and adopting the opinions of the public, has always been sticking to Article 39 of the Basic Law and safeguarding the rights and freedoms of the HK people, and this time, it has decided to make further amendments to the bill, the official noted.
"The way in which the HKSAR government has been doing is appropriate and I believe the public recognizes and accepts it, "the official said.
The official expressed his hope that members of the HKSAR Legislative Council and the public consider for the fundamental and long-term interests of Hong Kong and actively support and cooperate with the HKSAR government to complete the legislative process on schedule.
(Xinhua News Agency July 7, 2003)
