Press Briefings & Releases
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CE's remarks after meeting political groups Following is the translation of the remarks made by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at a media session after his meetings with the Article 45 Concern Group and the Democratic Party today (June 18): I invited Mr Lau Chin-shek of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions for a meeting yesterday, and today I met the Article 45 Concern Group and the Democratic Party. I think that the three meetings were quite useful. I will meet them and other political groups regularly in the future. Through communication and exchanges, we can jointly take forward the development of Hong Kong. This morning we discussed constitutional development. The Article 45 Concern Group put forward their views and the Democratic Party also stated its position. I pointed out that the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress had made an interpretation and a decision on our constitutional development and the elections in 2007/08. Universal suffrage remains our common and ultimate goal. I hope the political groups will actively take part in the consultation exercise conducted by the Government and contribute to Hong Kong's constitutional development. We also discussed the economy. I am optimistic about our economic recovery. We discussed people's livelihood, education and labour issues. I hope that we can join hands to work for the well-being of all our citizens. At the meeting with the Article 45 Concern Group, we discussed Hong Kong's core values. Actually I had met a group of professionals initiating a declaration on these core values last week. I reaffirmed at today's meeting the Government's determination to safeguard our core values, which make Hong Kong thrive. Mr Lau Chin-shek and the Democratic Party asked me to play an active role to help them get home visit permits and communicate with the Central Authorities. I responded positively. As the problem has been brewing for quite some time, we cannot expect it to be settled immediately. But I believe results can be achieved if we all work together with sincerity. What we need in our community is peace, stability and mutual understanding. The Government will strive to work together with various political groups in this direction. Thank you. (Please also refer to the Chinese transcript of the media session.)
Ends/Friday, June 18, 2004 |