The Hong Kong SAR government Sunday welcomed the State Council's decision to adopt the report and the recommendation submitted by the acting chief executive, and to request the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC) to make an interpretation of Article 53(2) of the Basic Law regarding the term of office of the new chief executive.

"In order to ensure that the SAR (Special Administrative Region) could elect a new Chief Executive lawfully and in time on July 10, submitting a report to the State Council and seeking an interpretation by the NPCSC regarding the relevant provisions of the Basic Law is the only way forward and is consistent with the fundamental interests of Hong Kong," said a government spokesman.

The spokesman stressed that the SAR government's seeking an interpretation by the NPCSC would not affect "One Country, Two Systems", "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong" or "a high degree of autonomy", nor would it damage the rule of law on which Hong Kong's success is based.

"Under the design of 'One Country, Two Systems', the NPCSC has the power to interpret the Basic Law. This is part of Hong Kong's constitutional structure," he said. "It is lawful and constitutional to settle the issue of the term of office of the new Chief Executive by seeking the most authoritative interpretation in accordance with the Basic Law."

Acting Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang Wednesday submitted a report to the State Council, proposing that the State Council make a request to the NPCSC to interpret the Basic Law concerning the term of office of the new Chief Executive.

(Xinhua News Agency April 10, 2005)