U.S. and Hong Kong (2005)

State Department Briefing, December 22

State Department spokesman Sean McCormack briefed the press December 22.

Following is the transcript of the State Department briefing:

(begin transcript)

U.S. Department of State
Daily Press Briefing
Thursday, December 22, 2005
12:40 p.m. EST

Briefer: Sean McCormack, Spokesman

[ ...Intervening Text... ]

QUESTION: About Hong Kong.

MR. MCCORMACK: About Hong Kong. Yes, what about Hong Kong?

QUESTION: The Hong Kong Government's election reform proposal was blocked by the Legislative Council, so do you have any comment on that?

MR. MCCORMACK: We believe the people and the Government of Hong Kong should determine the pace and scope of political reform in accordance with the Basic Law. The people of Hong Kong have repeatedly expressed their aspiration for progress towards democracy and their desire for a firm commitment to the implementation of universal suffrage. We support those goals and believe that the sooner a timetable for achieving universal suffrage is established, the better.

The Hong Kong people, through their commitment to vibrant but peaceful political debate, have demonstrated the strength and stability of Hong Kong society, which we believe will be enhanced by greater democratization. And we welcome the efforts by leaders from all parts of Hong Kong society to achieve democratic progress.

QUESTION: So do you see any impacts of this issue on the future -- on the political development in the future?

MR. MCCORMACK: Well, that's going to be for the people of Hong Kong to decide. I've stated what our position is.

(The briefing was concluded at 1:10 p.m.)

(end transcript)