"One Country, Two Systems" Be Adhered to as Indivisible Concept: Jiang

President Jiang Zemin said December 20 at a meeting marking the first anniversary of Macao's return to China that the "one country, two systems" should continue to be adhered to as a basic principle in handling Macao affairs.

"`One country, two systems' is an indivisible concept," he said. The term "one country" means two things:

-- First, it means Macao is part of the motherland and the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) is directly under the jurisdiction of the Central People's Government and enjoys a high degree of autonomy in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law.

-- Second, the mainland of China always serves as a strong backing for the Macao SAR.

"Macao cannot do without the forceful support of the mainland, which has been true in the past and will continue to be so in the future," Jiang stressed, noting that the reform, opening-up and modernization drive of the mainland will bring more and more opportunities to Macao.

The economic recovery and growth in Macao since its return is the result of the concerted efforts of people of all circles in

Macao under the leadership of SAR Government and the support of the mainland, he said. "In the future, the mainland will continue to furnish unfailing support to Macao for its development on all fronts," the president pledged.

Jiang pointed out that by "two systems", we mean that the main part of the country sticks to the socialist system while Macao retains the capitalist system and its way of life.

The Central Government will not intervene in the affairs that fall within the autonomy of the Macao SAR, he said, stressing that this is a principle that should be adhered to forever.

"The Macao SAR on its part should take concrete measures to defend the national interests and the authority of the Central Government and should never allow anyone to stage any activities in Macao against the Central Government or to split the country," Jiang said.

"This principle should also be observed," he said.

Since its return, Macao has done a lot in implementing the principle of "one country, two systems" in an all-round manner. With more experience gained in this regard, Macao will surely do a better job in the future, Jiang said.

Facts have forcefully proved that the principles of "one country, two systems" and "Macao people administering Macao with a high degree of autonomy" are absolutely correct and the people in Macao are highly capable of managing Macao affairs well, the President said.

Macao Should Be Administered According to Law

The President said efforts should be made to ensure that Macao is administered in accordance with law.

"Strict observance of the Basic Law is an important guarantee for the maintenance of long-term prosperity, stability and development in Macao," he said.

The Basic Law of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) was formulated by the highest organ of state power, in line with China's Constitution with extensive participation of the compatriots in Macao, he said, adding that "this law fully reflects the common will and fundamental interests of the entire Chinese people, our compatriots in Macao included."

It is national law for the implementation of the principle of "one country, two systems" in all areas, he said, stressing that "all departments under the Central Government, all localities and people of all ethnic groups in China should uphold and observe the Basic Law."

The Basic Law has prescribed the basic political, economic and social systems that should be adopted by the Macao SAR, the relationship between the Central Government and the SAR, and the rights and freedoms of the residents in the SAR.

"People from all walks of life in Macao should conscientiously follow the Basic Law as their code of conduct," Jiang said.

Favorable Social Environment Should Be Created for Macao's Development

It is essential to create a favorable social environment for the long-term prosperity, stability and development in Macao.

"The ill public order in Macao before its return not only aroused concern among the local residents but also affected its neighboring areas," Jiang recalled.

Since the return, the Macao SAR Government, with the support of the Central Government, has dealt a heavy blow on various evil forces, which has resulted in visibly improved law and order and better economic performance in Macao, he said.

"The relatively more stable social environment in Macao today requires everyone to cherish and maintain," he pointed out.

"Everybody in China, in Macao or the mainland, should refuse to do anything destructive to the prosperity, stability and development in Macao," Jiang said.

Both history and reality of human development have proved that economic prosperity and social progress cannot be achieved without a stable environment, and this is true to the mainland and true to Macao, too, he said.

"In a modern society, the mass media have great influence on people, which requires that the media not only value freedom of the press but also pay attention to their social responsibilities and play a more positive role in matters bearing on Macao's prosperity and the interests of the state and the people," Jiang said.

Authority of Chief Executive Should be Maintained

It is important to maintain the Chief Executive's authority and support his work.

The Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) was elected according to the Basic Law and appointed by the Central Government, and this is an indication of the exercise by our compatriots in Macao of their democratic rights, he said.

"It is unprecedented in the history of Macao," he said.

Under the Basic Law, the Chief Executive should be accountable not only to the Macao SAR but also to the Central Government, and the Basic Law gives the Chief Executive, the head of both the SAR and SAR Government, a high position and a great mandate, according to the President.

"The Central Government is satisfied with the way in which Mr. Ho Hau Wah has governed the territory," he said, adding that "I hope that people from all walks of life in Macao will conscientiously maintain the authority of their Chief Executive and support and assist his administration."

"I also believe that Mr. Ho Hau Wah will never fail the trust and expectations of the Central Government and the general public in Macao," he said.

Expectations of Macao Relevant to HK

President Jiang Zemin said that his expectations of Macao also apply to Hong Kong.

Like Hong Kong, Macao is also faced with the problems left over from the prolonged colonial rule and the serious impact of the Asian financial crisis since its return, and in view of this, it is not at all easy for Macao to make such achievements as we see today, Jiang said.

"Although Hong Kong is not the same in all aspects as Macao, I believe what I have touched upon is also relevant to Hong Kong," Jiang said.

"I am convinced that with full support from the Central Government and the people across the country, compatriots from across the spectrum in Hong Kong and Macao, with their concerted efforts, will be able to overcome difficulties on their way ahead and make greater achievements in the great cause of 'one country, two systems,'" he said.

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