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Following is the translation of the remarks made by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the media session on the Third Report of the Constitutional Development Task Force today (May 11):

The Constitutional Development Task Force released its third report today, which spells out the areas that may be amended in respect of provisions relating to the methods for selecting the Chief Executive in 2007 and for forming the Legislative Council in 2008. We will widely seek the views of the public.

The decision made by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC) on April 26 has set out a clear direction for Hong Kong's constitutional development. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government hopes that various sectors of the community will begin thorough discussions in this direction regarding how to amend the methods for selecting the Chief Executive and for forming the Legislative Council.

I fully appreciate that there is an aspiration in the community for returning the Chief Executive and all members of the Legislative Council by universal suffrage. I also understand that some people feel disappointed about not having universal suffrage in 2007 and 2008. But let me reiterate two points. First, the NPCSC's interpretation of the relevant provisions in the Basic Law and its decision on constitutional issues have been made entirely for the sake of Hong Kong's long-term interests, prosperity and stability. Second, the ultimate aim of having universal suffrage in our democratic development process will not change.

The third report of the Constitutional Development Task Force is a process moving towards this ultimate aim. The subjects raised in the report will help various sectors of our community discuss the election methods in 2007/2008 and other related practical issues in a more positive and focused manner. I earnestly hope that various sectors of our community will make the most of the coming three and a half months to have rational, practical and in-depth discussions on the various areas spelt out in the report, and put forward valuable views and concrete proposals.

If you have any questions about the third report, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Donald Tsang, and other members of the Task Force will speak to you in a moment. Thank you.

Ends/Tuesday, May 11, 2004

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( Floor / Cantonese / Putonghua / English )