The Hong Kong government will actively promote constitutional development in Hong Kong, chief executive Tung Chee Hwa told the Legislative Council Wednesday While delivering his annual policy address.

He reiterated that the constitutional development should be conducted on the basis of persevering in "one country, two systems" and adhering to the Basic Law.

He said that the methods for selecting the chief executive and for forming the Legislative Council after 2007 are important components of Hong Kong's political structure.

He said they would affect the implementation of the Basic Law, the relationship between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government and the central people's government, the interests of various strata and sectors of the community, and long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

Hence, the Hong Kong government has "always attached great importance to the matter," and has consistently taken the position and stance that "we will strictly follow the Basic Law in handling the matter," he said.

"When I was on my duty visit in Beijing recently, President Hu pointed out to me the serious concern and principled stance of the Central People's Government toward the development of Hong Kong's political structure. Thereafter, some mainland legal experts and certain individuals in Hong Kong have also expressed their views on the matter," said Tung.

"We definitely need to understand the full implications of these important issues, before making appropriate arrangement for the review of constitutional development," he added.

Tung said he has decided to establish a task force to seriously examine these issues, particularly those concerning the understanding of the relevant provisions of the Basic Law, and to consult relevant authorities of the central people's government.

He said his government will encourage all sectors of the community in Hong Kong to continue considering and exploring these issues rationally, as well as expressing their views, so that relevant arrangements may be made as early as possible.

(Xinhua News Agency January 7, 2004)