U.S. and Hong Kong (2004)

State Department Noon Briefing, September 10

State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher briefed the media September 10.

Following is the transcript of the State Department briefing:

(begin transcript)

U.S. Department of State
Daily Press Briefing
Friday, September 10, 2004
12:30 p.m. EDT

BRIEFER: Richard Boucher, Spokesman

[ ...Intervening Text... ]

QUESTION: Yes, it is reported in Washington Times today that National Security Council has asked the State Department to delay notification to the Congress on Taiwan's arms sale pending Taiwan's congress to pass the related budget, and thus delaying the process. Do you have any comment on that?

MR. BOUCHER: No, I don't have anything. I didn't see that. I didn't check into it, but we don't -- I don't know that there'd be anything I could get you something on, frankly.

QUESTION: Okay. Thank you.

[ ...Intervening Text... ]

QUESTION: A change of topic?

MR. BOUCHER: Sure.

QUESTION: Hong Kong. Do you have anything on Human Rights Watch report which is -- was released yesterday on the human rights condition deteriorated in the run-up to the legislative election?

MR. BOUCHER: We have seen the report and we will, obviously, study that report carefully. We have been following the situation in Hong Kong closely. We've often expressed our support for the aspirations of the Hong Kong people for democracy. There have been reports of intimidation and harassment and other activities in regard to these elections. We believe that the protection of civil liberties and Hong Kong's autonomy is fundamental to the policy of one-country, two systems, and we'll continue to follow the events in the run-up to the elections.

QUESTION: Thank you.

MR. BOUCHER: Thank you.

(The briefing was concluded at 12:55 p.m.)

(end transcript)