The Constitutional Development Task Force of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government issued its third report here on Tuesday.

The task force is now inviting views and specific proposals from the community regarding the methods for selecting the chief executive of the HKSAR and for forming the Legislative Council (LegCo).

The proposals must fall within the parameters specified by the National People's Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC)'s interpretation of annexes to the Basic Law, and its decision on the methods for selecting the chief executive in 2007 and for forming the LegCo in 2008, according to the government.

At a press conference, Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa said he fully appreciates "that there is an aspiration in the community for returning the chief executive and all members of the Legislative Council by universal suffrage."

He added, "I also understand that some people feel disappointed about not having universal suffrage in 2007 and 2008. But let me reiterate two points. First, the NPCSC's interpretation of the relevant provisions in the Basic Law and its decision on constitutional issues have been made entirely for the sake of Hong Kong's long-term interests, prosperity and stability."

"Second, the ultimate aim of having universal suffrage in our democratic development process will not change." he said.

The task force's third report specifies the areas that may be considered for amendment and invites the public's views. The deadline for submissions is August 31.

On March 30, the task force, established by the chief executive to take forward matters relating to constitutional development, made public its first report on the issues of legislative process in the Basic Law relating to constitutional development. On April 15, it made public its second report on the issues of principle in the Basic Law relating to constitutional development.

(Xinhua News Agency May 12, 2004)