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A Government spokesman issued the following statement regarding the procession today (January 1):

Many citizens took part in the procession today. We will listen carefully to their aspirations. One of their major aspirations is to speed up the pace of democratic development.

It is the clear duty of the current Administration to pursue democratic advancement in accordance with the Basic Law. The Government will make full use of the coming three years to address the issues of constitutional development after 2007. We will start listening to and collecting public views as soon as possible.

Hong Kong is a pluralistic society, and there are differing views on the pace of constitutional development. The Government will adopt an open and receptive attitude and encourage discussion amongst various sectors of the community. We will strive to build consensus on the way forward according to the principle of gradual and orderly progress and in the light of the actual situation in Hong Kong as stipulated in the Basic Law.

The procession was conducted in an orderly manner. It demonstrates once again Hong Kong people are sober and rational. Everybody understands that the community can develop steadily and thrive only in a stable environment.

Ends/Thursday, January 1, 2004

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