A Hong Kong government spokesman reiterated that the National Security (Legislative Provisions) Bill was in full accord with the "One Country, Two Systems" principle and international human rights standards, according to a gazette released on Tuesday.

"There is no extension of (Chinese) Mainland laws to Hong Kong," the spokesman was quoted as saying in the gazette.

"The government has proposed in the Bill, not once, but three times, that all its provisions must be interpreted, applied and enforced in accordance with Chapter III of the Basic Law. This mandates strict compliance with international standards on rights and freedoms, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights," said the spokesman.

"The proposed law represents a liberalization of existing laws on treason, sedition and protection of official secrets and compares favorably with similar legislation in other common law jurisdictions. Additional safeguards such as a right to jury trials for all Basic Law Article 23 offenses are provided," the spokesman said.

"The Bill is now under detailed scrutiny by the Legislative Council Bills Committee. Some 110 individuals and groups have also expressed views on the Bill during the public hearing sessions. There is no question of the Bill being rushed through," the spokesman added.

(Xinhua News Agency June 25, 2003)