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Following is the transcript (English portion) of the remarks of the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Stephen Lam, in response to a media question after attending RTHK's City Forum today (December 30):
Reporter: Some legislators are worried that too much details and decisions are left unexplained, for example the thresholds and everything. How would you respond to their concerns?
Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs: The fact of the matter is that yesterday in Beijing, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress had already determined a universal suffrage timetable for Hong Kong. As to questions relating to the roadmap and electoral models for implementing universal suffrage, for taking forward democracy in 2012, these issues have been left for Hong Kong to determine on its own at this stage. It is now up to the Government to work with different political parties to get progress for 2012 and to pave the way for implementation of universal suffrage in 2017 and 2020. We are confident that if we can set aside our differences and work in the overall interest of Hong Kong, universal suffrage will be implemented.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Sunday, December 30, 2007
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