U.S. and Hong Kong (2006)

U.S. Department of State

Taken Question
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
December 14, 2006

Hong Kong: Elections for Election Committee (Taken Question)

Question: What is our reaction to the recent elections for Hong Kong's Election Committee?

Answer: We welcome that there has been public participation – even if very limited – in Hong Kong's process of selecting a Chief Eecutive. Under the provisions of the Basic Law, Hong Kong and the Central Government are committed to the ultimate aim of selecting the Chief Executive by universal suffrage. The U.S. continues to support progress toward universal suffrage in accordance with the Basic Law and the aspirations of the Hong Kong people.

We note that the December 10 vote is a small step toward choosing the Chief Executive, who will be selected in March 2007. That Chief Executive, whose term will stretch to 2012, will play a key role in defining the course of further progress toward constitutional reform and democracy.

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2006/1117