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Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung, at a media session in Chaozhou today (March 28):
Reporter: So LegCo President Jasper Tsang just said Mainland officials told him that Beijing might allow a popular but not so patriotic person to run in election 2017. So my question is, do you think the Central Government is actually relaxing the criteria for CE candidates? And are you going to run for a re-election, and did any Mainland officials tell you they'd support you to do so?
Chief Executive: Well, your second question first. I concentrate on delivering the pledges in my election manifesto. I am not, at this stage, addressing the question of re-election. After all, I've only served one-third of my five-year term. On your earlier question, I'm sure the Central Authorities' stand on the question of universal suffrage election of the next Chief Executive has remained the same ever since the Basic Law has been promulgated, and ever since the relevant decision of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee had been made. So, as far as I'm concerned, the Central Authorities' position has not changed and everything is according to the Basic Law and to the NPC Standing Committee decisions. Thank you.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Friday, March 28, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:58
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