The government will strive to reach consensus, or at least find some common ground, on the legal parameters of new issues of constitutional importance with the Bar Association and the Law Society, Hong Kong secretary for Justice Elsie Leung said.

Speaking at the opening of the Legal Year Monday, Leung said that if that can be achieved, subsequent debates on how the controversial issue should be taken forward can focus, and can be seen to focus, on political rather than legal consideration.

She also stressed that when controversial proposals are being debated, the public should know whether arguments supporting or rejecting those proposals are legal or political.

Turning to prosecutions, Leung noted that Article 63 of the Basic Law provides that the department shall control criminal prosecutions, free from any interference.

"In providing their services, my colleagues must observe the same high standards of professionalism and integrity as lawyers in the private sector," Leung added.

Look ahead, Leung said the department will maintain cooperation with the Bar Association and the Law Society, adding that efforts in promoting Hong Kong's legal services, including mainland-related ones, will continue.

(Xinhua News Agency January 13, 2004)