A Chinese lawmaker said on Friday that the central government supports democratic development in Hong Kong in a legal and progressive manner.

"During his meeting with Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Donald Tsang on November 18, President Hu Jintao made very clear the stand of the central government on the development of the political system in Hong Kong," said Qiao Xiaoyang, deputy secretary-general of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.

Addressing a symposium in Shenzhen, Qiao said it is necessary to truly understand the speech of President Hu in order to make an objective and fair assessment of the election reform package proposed by the government of HKSAR.

At the symposium, attended by Hong Kong legislators and Hong Kong people from various circles, Qiao said that there are four main points in the stance of the central government expressed by Hu:

Firstly, it is the central government's consistent policy to support the HKSAR in its efforts to develop a democratic system which suits the actual situation in HK, in accordance with the law and in a step-by-step manner. Promoting democracy in HK step by step with the ultimate goal of electing the HKSAR Chief Executive and all members of the Legislative Council by universal suffrage has been explicitly stated in the HKSAR Basic Law. It is also a solemn commitment made by the central government.

Secondly, it is the central government's consistent stand that HK's political system should be developed in a steady, down-to-earth and orderly manner, in accordance with the Basic Law and the reality in HK.

Thirdly, the central government sincerely hopes HK people from various circles and communities will take the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong into account, and try to reach a consensus through rational discussions and consultations.

Fourthly, the central government sincerely hopes Hong Kong people of various circles and communities will work hard together to create favorable conditions for the realization of the ultimate goal of general election for the Chief Executive and all Legislative Council members as stipulated by the Basic Law.

(China Daily December 3, 2005)