The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Thursday refuted the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)'s article concerning Hong Kong's constitutional development.

In response to a forecast on Hong Kong published by the EIU on Wednesday, a government spokesman said, "We do not agree with the observations set out in the EIU's forecast concerning our high degree of autonomy and constitutional development." 

On Hong Kong's "high degree of autonomy," he said that the decision of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee has not in any way undermined the principle of "One Country, Two Systems." 

Since July 1, 1997, the central authorities have been fully committed to upholding the principle of "One Country, Two Systems" stipulated in the Basic Law. Hong Kong has been, and will continue to, exercise the high degree of autonomy strictly in accordance with the Basic Law, he added. 

He said the central authorities have the power and responsibility to oversee Hong Kong's constitutional development. 

The spokesman said although Hong Kong is not in a position to introduce universal suffrage in 2007 and 2008, the NPC Standing Committee's decision leaves plenty of scope for changes to be made to the electoral methods for electing the Chief Executive and the formation of the Legislative Council. 

On the Chief Executive's term of office, he said that the comments made in the forecast are sheer speculation. The Chief Executive has clearly indicated that he will continue to serve the community of Hong Kong until his present term expires.

(Xinhua News Agency May 28, 2004)