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Following are the opening remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung, at the press conference at Central Government Offices, Tamar, today (September 28):
I shall now do a quick recap in English. I and my Government have all along been listening attentively to the views of the members of public. The public are encouraged to express their aspirations peacefully, rationally and lawfully, and to respect and accommodate different views in the society.
The HKSAR Government is resolute in opposing the unlawful occupation actions by "Occupy Central". The Police shall continue to handle the situation in accordance with the law.
NPCSC's (Standing Committee of the National People's Congress) decision on Hong Kong's constitutional development has been made in strict accordance with the relevant provisions of the Basic Law and after detailed and careful deliberation of the actual situation of Hong Kong and the views of various sectors of the community. It is legally binding.
The NPCSC has decided that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region elect its Chief Executive starting from 2017 by universal suffrage. This is an important step towards the constitutional development of Hong Kong and is surely better than a stalemate.
I and my Government will, in accordance with the Basic Law and the relevant decision of the NPCSC, try our very best to implement the election of the Chief Executive by universal suffrage in 2017. The Government will launch the next stage of the consultation on constitutional development shortly. Let me make an appeal to various sectors of the community to engage in rational discussions through peaceful and lawful means so as to allow the five million eligible voters in Hong Kong to elect the Chief Executive in 2017 for the first time in Hong Kong history by one person one vote.
Ends/Sunday, September 28, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:05
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