Hong Kong's challenge to turn the "One Country, Two Systems" principle into reality has been successfully met, Hong Kong Secretary for Justice Elsie Leung said Thursday at a ceremonial opening of the 2005 legal year.

Leung noted that in an open society governed by the rule of law, controversial issues and constitutional challenges are inevitable.

"The resolution of each controversy has left us with a better understanding of 'One Country, Two Systems', and a greater ability to tackle new problems," she said.

During the past seven years, more than a third of the 160 Basic Law articles have been interpreted by Hong Kong's courts. She said judgments in these cases not only determined the issue at hand, but also created a body of precedents.

Important aspects of the Basic Law that have been clarified include the right of abode, the continuity of the common law, freedom of expression, the right of peaceful assembly, the protection of property rights and the rights of public servants.

Comparing a constitution to a living tree, Leung said precedents set concerning the Basic Law may be regarded as the growing roots and branches of Hong Kong's constitution.

"This process of growth is of immense value to the government, to the legal profession and to the community as a whole. The government will acquire more guidance as to what it may and may not lawfully do. The legal profession will be better able to advise clients. And members of the community will see that the core values set out in the Basic Law are protected by independent judges."

(Xinhua News Agency February 18, 2005)