U.S. and Hong Kong (2003)

State Department Daily Press Briefing, June 6

State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher conducted the department's daily press briefing Friday, June 6. Following is the State Department transcript:

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Daily Press Briefing
Richard Boucher, Spokesman
Washington, DC
June 6, 2003

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QUESTION: We have the Hong Kong delegation here to lobby the Congress regarding the Article 23. What is our general impression -- I guess -- response to that?

MR. BOUCHER: We put out a statement yesterday, right, after our Deputy Secretary met with, I think, Martin Lee, who is the delegation chief. We have expressed our concerns about how the Article 23 matter was being handled. We have emphasized the need for a full public consultation.

We have emphasized the need to look at this legislation in the concept of the fundamental rights and freedoms that are guaranteed to the people of Hong Kong. And so we have followed this very closely throughout the years and certainly welcome the delegation the opportunity to talk to people who are very knowledgeable about these matters.

QUESTION: What if it did get passed? What would be our response?

MR. BOUCHER: Well, it depends what gets passed, whether it's something that is consistent with the rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong, as guaranteed in the basic law. It would depend on whether it's something that really reflected their desires to the kind of society they want to live in.

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