Transcript of CE's remarks at question-and-answer session at media session on passage of constitutional reform package (with photos/video)

Transcript of CE's remarks at question-and-answer session at media session on passage of constitutional reform package (with photos/video)
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     Following is the transcript of a question-and-answer session by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at a media session on the passage of the constitutional reform package at the Central Government Offices New Annexe today (June 25):

Reporter: It seems that the Government's decision can only come after it gets approval to adopt the Democratic Party's proposal, only comes after the Central Government approves it.  So do you think it has undermined the "One Country, Two Systems" principle?

Chief Executive: Any constitutional reform in Hong Kong will require the consent of at least three parties involved — the Central Government, the Hong Kong legislature with a two-thirds majority, and the views of Hong Kong people as reflected in my consent to the reform we're going to take.  So, in a matter like this, it is necessary for three parties to work together.  On this occasion, we have got the consent of the Central Government, specifically on this package itself, where we've resolved all the constitutional issues.  In LegCo, we got two-thirds majority, and the decision eventually passed, certainly reflecting the majority view of Hong Kong people.  As I said, it's a triumph of the "One Country, Two Systems" arrangement.  And it's also a triumph of Hong Kong people.  Thank you very much.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Friday, June 25, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:37

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