Zhang Xiaoming tells Emily Lau and other members of her Democratic Party to give up the "illusion" about civil disobedience and instead work to establish mutual trust with Beijing. Photo: HKEJ
The head of Beijing’s Liaison Office has put forward four principles on electoral reform during his meeting with Democratic Party members on Friday, RTHK reported.
Zhang Xiaoming, Beijing’s top official in Hong Kong, said the core of universal suffrage is linked with the relationship between Beijing and Hong Kong, and involves national security. He urged everyone to give this careful consideration.
He also stressed that electoral reform in the city has to be in accordance with the Basic Law. In response to a threat by the Occupy Central movement to launch a civil disobedience campaign, Zhang said such actions would “scarify” or work against Hong Kong’s interests. He urged all parties to give up the “illusion” and refuse to attend such activities.
Zhang urged the Democratic Party to take the opportunity to enhance mutual trust with Beijing, the report said.
Zhang met with Emily Lau Wai-hing, the party’s chairwoman, and four other lawmakers, namely Albert Ho Chun-yan, Sin Chung-kai, Wong Pik-wan and Wu Chi-wai. The meeting lasted for over an hour.
The meeting was also attended by three representatives of the Task Force on Constitutional Development and other government officials.
Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying will meet reporters later on Friday after signing a high-profile petition against Occupy Central, the report said.
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