Community organizations in Hong Kong continue to back the Anti-Secession Law as a necessary tool to safeguard the sovereignty and unity of the country.

The Federation of Hong Kong Guangdong Community Organizations yesterday joined the ranks of numerous other groups in supporting the bill, saying it reflected the central government's determination to protect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"The Anti-Secession Law is necessary as China continues to face the threat of secessionists. It is the mission of Chinese all over the world to promote peaceful reunification," said a spokesman for the federation.

The law serves the fundamental interests of the Chinese people, including Taiwanese compatriots, and will help maintain peace and stability in the region, the spokesman said at a forum yesterday.

"The law will be supported by the Chinese people around the world and the international community," he said.

"In passing the law, the Chinese Government has demonstrated to the world that it is ready to provide a legal foundation to protect the interests of national unity and to achieve peaceful reunification," the spokesman told the federation members.

He wanted the SAR to play an active role in promoting the law because "Hong Kong is a shining example of the successful implementation of 'One Country, Two System' policy".

"We should communicate to the Taiwanese people that the Anti-Secession Law is aimed at achieving peace, and that their interests and lives will be protected," he said.

(China Daily HK Edition March 24, 2005)