U.S. and Hong Kong (2004)

White House Daily Press Briefing, April 26, 2004

Following is the transcript of the White House briefing:

(begin transcript)

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Minneapolis, Minnesota)
April 26, 2004

PRESS GAGGLE WITH SCOTT McCLELLAN

Aboard Air Force One
En Route Minneapolis, Minnesota

9:19 A.M. EDT

[ ...Intervening Text... ]

Q: Can you give us some reaction to news out of China today that they are denying direct elections in Hong Kong?

MR. McCLELLAN: Our position is very clear, that it's important to adhere to the basic law that was agreed to. And that is our view. We continue to stand on the side of democratic reforms, as outlined in the basic law.

Q: So you're --

MR. McCLELLAN: I haven't seen the exact comments. I'll be glad to take a look at them. But I think our position is very clear.

Q: That it's -- that Hong Kong should be allowed to have direct --

MR. McCLELLAN: Like I said, that it's important to adhere to the basic law. That's our view.

All right, thank you.

END 9:34 A.M. EDT

(end transcript)