Hong Kong media said Saturday the plan of the Standing Committee
of the National People's Congress (NPCSC) to interpret the Basic
Law provisions is timely and significant to fostering consensus
over constitutional development.
Takunpao said in a commentary that the central
authorities have recently done lots of works on Hong Kong's
constitutional development, which has markedly raised Hong Kong
people's understanding of the Basic Law, yet not dispelled all the
dispute.
"There will not be a concrete base for constitutional
development if an authoritative interpretation over Basic Law
provisions is not given," said the commentary.
Wenweipo said great deeds since the handover have proved
that the Central Government is determined to carry out the
principle of "one country, two systems" and the Basic law. The
Central Government's measures, including interpreting the Basic Law
provisions, all aim at safeguarding Hong Kong's long-term stability
and prosperity as well as Hong Kong citizens' interests.
A commentary of China Daily HK Edition said that
according to the Basic Law, the power to interpret Hong Kong's mini
constitution belongs to the NPCSC. It is high time for the standing
committee to give its official interpretation of the Basic law
provisions in question since opinions expressed by the local
community in the current debate surrounding constitutional
development are very diverse.
The commentary said the political system of the Hong Kong
Special Administrative Region (SAR) is a basic system that concerns
the relationship between the central authorities and the SAR. Its
development and evolution has a bearing not only on Hong Kong but
also on the mainland.
"The earlier such a matter of cardinal principles is clarified,
the better it is for Hong Kong and the overall situation," said
China Daily.
(Xinhua News Agency March 28, 2004)