A Hong Kong official yesterday responded to comments in a speech by the US consul-general there by calling on foreign governments to respect that the special administrative region's constitutional development will progress in accordance with the Basic Law.

"We aim at formulating a set of proposals which will enable us to move towards the ultimate aim of universal suffrage in a gradual and orderly manner, and which will enhance public participation in the two electoral methods, and broaden the representativeness of the Chief Executive and the Legislative Council," said the unnamed government spokesperson.

"The Constitutional Development Task Force will release its fifth report in the autumn to set out the government's proposals on how the two electoral methods should be amended," he added.

He was talking after James Cunningham spoke at a luncheon organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong.

Cunningham said that, in order to secure its future, Hong Kong needs to advance in a "gradual and orderly movement toward universal suffrage and political reform."

He also noted the role Hong Kong played in his country's engagement with China, saying that Americans see tremendous potential for its continued vital role as a center for investment and business activity, major shipping and aviation hub, and premier Asian financial center.

The US and Hong Kong work together in combating terrorism, preventing proliferation, and law enforcement, said Cunningham.

He commented that Hong Kong's present situation is encouraging as the economy is strong and the major financial houses have been busy readjusting Hong Kong growth estimates upwards.

(Xinhua News Agency September 21, 2005)