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Government's response to July 1 procession
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     In response to the procession today (July 1), a Government spokesman said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government fully respects people's legal rights to take part in processions and their freedom of expression, and will listen to their views in a humble manner.

     "Taking forward the constitutional development of Hong Kong is an important policy objective of the current-term Government. The Government will implement universal suffrage for the Chief Executive Election in 2017 strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Basic Law and the relevant decisions of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress," the spokesman said.

     "The Government will listen carefully to the views and opinions from various sectors of the community on the methods and principles on the implementation of universal suffrage for the Chief Executive Election in 2017. We will launch the consultation on the methods of the 2017 Chief Executive Election and the 2016 Legislative Council Election and initiate the constitutional procedures at an appropriate juncture.

     "We hope the community can forge a consensus on the implementation of universal suffrage by adopting a rational, pragmatic and accommodating attitude."

     The Government also took heed of other public aspirations expressed in today's procession. "The Government will continue its endeavour to tackle various problems including those related to economic development, housing, poverty, ageing society and the environment," the spokesman said.

Ends/Monday, July 1, 2013
Issued at HKT 17:30

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