HKSAR Government responds to UK House of Lords motion

     In response to a motion on Hong Kong passed by the House of Lords of the United Kingdom Parliament, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government spokesman made the following response today (October 25):
 
     "The basic policies of the People's Republic of China (PRC) regarding Hong Kong as enshrined in the Sino-British Joint Declaration have been implemented, manifested and stipulated in the Basic Law of the HKSAR of the PRC."
 
     "Since the return to the Motherland, the HKSAR has been exercising 'Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong' and a high degree of autonomy in strict accordance with the Basic Law. The 'one country, two systems' principle has been fully and successfully implemented. 'One country, two systems' is the best arrangement for maintaining Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability and for making Hong Kong a favourable place to live and work in. The HKSAR Government will continue to implement the 'one country, two systems' principle resolutely in accordance with the Basic Law."
 
     "Safeguarding human rights and freedoms is a constitutional duty of the HKSAR Government. Article 4 of the Basic Law stipulates that the HKSAR shall safeguard the rights and freedoms of the residents of the HKSAR and of other persons in the Region in accordance with law. Human rights and freedoms in Hong Kong are fully protected by the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance and other legislation, in addition to the Basic Law. Also, the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as applied to Hong Kong shall remain in force. The HKSAR Government attaches great importance to human rights and freedoms and is determined to safeguard them."

     The spokesman reiterated that foreign legislatures should not interfere in any form in the internal affairs of the HKSAR.