2014-09-04
HKT 21:40
The British government has welcomed an assurance from Beijing that it intends eventually to allow Hong Kong to elect its chief executive by universal suffrage, in an apparent attempt to defuse a row with China.
The British Foreign Office said it recognised there was no ideal model for the chief executive election in 2017.
"We welcome the confirmation that China's objective is for the election of Hong Kong's Chief Executive through universal suffrage," it said in a statement.
"While we recognise that there is no perfect model, the important thing is that the people of Hong Kong have a genuine choice and a real stake in the outcome," it added.
The Foreign Office said it recognised that China's restrictions on the election would disappoint democracy campaigners arguing for a more open nomination process.
"We hope that the next period of consultation will produce arrangements which allow a meaningful advance for democracy in Hong Kong, and we encourage all parties to engage constructively in discussion to that end," it added.
Earlier this week, China warned the UK that ties between the two countries could be damaged if Britain continues with a parliamentary inquiry into Hong Kong's political reforms.
The Chief Executive's Office also rejected criticism of Beijing's political reform framework levelled by Hong Kong's last governor, Chris Patten.
A statement pointed out that none of the governors in colonial Hong Kong had been elected by the people.
http://m.rthk.hk/news/20140904/1034919.htm
