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In response to a statement by British Foreign Office Minister Bill Rammell, a Government spokesman reiterated today (June 30) that the National Security (Legislative Provisions) Bill was in full accord with the "One Country, Two Systems" principle and international human rights standards.

"The Bill has proposed that all its provisions must be interpreted, applied and enforced in accordance with Chapter III of the Basic Law, which mandates strict compliance with international standards on rights and freedoms, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Our Bill will not undermine fundamental rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents," the spokesman said.

On the proscription mechanism, the spokesman said there was no question of extending Mainland laws or concepts on national security to Hong Kong.

"The power of proscription would only be exercised in accordance with Hong Kong laws and the ICCPR. All proscription decisions are appealable in the courts of Hong Kong," he added.

End/Monday, June 30, 2003

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