The government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is committed to the full and faithful implementation of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle and the Basic Law, said a spokesman of the HKSAR government here Tuesday.

In response to media inquires on the European Commission (EC) Report on Hong Kong (covering year 2002), the spokesman said the government notes that the EC Report has made various observations about constitutional development, Article 23 legislation, and financial and economic issues in Hong Kong.

He pointed out that the Basic Law had laid down a blueprint for the HKSAR's constitutional development.

"In the four years between now and 2006-07, the government would conduct a review on post-2007 constitutional development according to the Basic Law, and set aside sufficient time for a wide public consultation," he said.

"We are fully aware of the differing aspirations of different sectors in the community. The review will be proper and thorough. There will be adequate opportunities for the public to take part in the public consultation and to give their views," he said.

On the accountability system, the spokesman said, "The implementation of the system is an important step towards more effective governance of the HKSAR. As with other new systems of governance, the development of the accountability system is an evolving and evolutionary process. The government will learn from experience and strive for improvement and will aim to strengthen communication with the public and the Legislative Council."

The spokesman said that the HKSAR had a constitutional duty to legislate on Article 23 of the Basic Law. The National Security (Legislative Provisions) Bill previously proposed by the government provided that all its provisions must be interpreted, applied and enforced in accordance with the international standards on rights and freedoms mandated in Chapter III of the Basic Law.

"The government recognizes the importance of securing public understanding and support before taking forward the legislation," the spokesman said. The government decided on Sept. 5 to withdraw the Bill from the legislative program.

"The government will review afresh the issues concerning Article 23 of the Basic Law. The proposals to implement Article 23would only be taken forward after extensive public consultation and with the understanding and support of the community at large, “he said.

(Xinhua News Agency September 17, 2003)