HK gov't not stalling democratization process: Tung

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, January 08, 2004

HK gov't not stalling democratization process: Tung

Hong Kong chief executive stresses Thursday that the government is "not stalling the democratization process" in Hong Kong, adding that the constitutional review will proceed as quickly as possible.

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Hong Kong chief executive stresses Thursday that the government is "not stalling the democratization process" in Hong Kong, adding that the constitutional review will proceed as quickly as possible.

Speaking at a question-and-answer session in the Legislative Council on his 2004 policy address, Tung Chee Hwa said while there is no time frame for the constitutional review, it would be done soonest in accordance with the spirit of the Basic Law.

He assured lawmakers that there will be enough time for changes to the arrangements for the 2007 and 2008 elections.

Tung noted that before conducting the review, "we must sort out issues of principles and legal issues, and at the same time listen to the views of the Hong Kong people."

"The Central Government has made this request, and we are duty bound to respond to it," he said, "the Central Government has the power and responsibility to look into the matter and Hong Kong people have to accept this. It is only fair and reasonable for them to do so."

Tung added that, as the chief executive, one of his duties is to implement the Basic Law and that make him accountable to Hong Kong as well as the Central Government.

He reiterated that the whole exercise is for the good of Hong Kong people, for current and future generations.

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