Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa pledged Friday that legislating Article 23 of the Basic Law will not affect the freedom and the rights of Hong Kong people.

He said at a press conference that he understood people's concerns about the legislative proposals on Article 23 of the Basic Law.

He reiterated that "it is our duty as Chinese citizens, it is also a duty under the constitution, to legislate national securitylaw in accordance with our Basic Law. It is also a very important part of our relationship with the central authorities."

He said, "I am weighing carefully the views that have been presented to me, the suggestions that have been made to me. I willlet all of you know immediately when a decision is made."

Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang said at the meeting of the Legislative Council on Friday, "Human rights and freedom are values that Hong Kong treasures. The government understands that people will continue to enjoy these rights."

He said the "government will not deprive people of these rightsbecause of Article 23," adding Hong Kong people's rights and freedoms will be fully safeguarded.

Tsang stressed that "we have a constitutional duty to enact thebill."

He said human rights, freedom and law and order are the pillarsthat make Hong Kong a world city and an international finance center.

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