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In response to media enquiries regarding the Report by the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, a spokesman for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG) reiterated today (March 6):
On constitutional development, the HKSARG is committed to implementing universal suffrage for the Chief Executive (CE) election in 2017, strictly in accordance with the Basic Law and the Decision adopted by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC) on August 31, 2014. The HKSARG is conducting the consultation on the method for selecting the CE by universal suffrage. The consultation period will end on March 7, 2015. The HKSARG hopes that different sectors of the community can discuss in a rational and pragmatic manner and forge consensus under the Basic Law and the framework laid down by the Decision of the NPCSC, so that five million eligible voters can elect the next CE through "one person, one vote" in 2017 as scheduled.
On freedom of expression and freedom of the press, they are guaranteed by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance. The HKSARG supports the principle of editorial autonomy for journalistic work, and will not interfere with the internal operations of media organisations.
Ends/Friday, March 6, 2015
Issued at HKT 10:58
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