NPC adopts interpretations of Hong Kong Basic Law
(Xinhua/chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2004-04-06 17:14

China's top legislature, the Standing Committee of the 10th National People's Congress (NPC), adopted the interpretations of two clauses in the Annexes of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) as it concluded its five-day 8th meeting in Beijing on Tuesday.

The two clauses, respectively Clause 7 of Annex I and Clause 3 of Annex II, involve issues on amending the methods for selecting the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR and for forming the SAR's Legislative Council and its procedures for voting on bills and motions after 2007.

Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the 10th NPC, said the interpretations conform to the principle of "one country two systems" and the original intention of the Basic Law.

He said the interpretations are "timely and necessary," will be constructive to put an end to the disputes about the Basic Law in Hong Kong and will be helpful in maintaining stability and prosperity of Hong Kong.

Clause 7 of Annex I of the Basic Law says: "If there is a need to amend the method for selecting the Chief Executives for the terms subsequent to the year 2007, such amendments must be made with endorsement of a two-thirds majority of all the members of the Legislative Council and the consent of the Chief Executive, and they shall be reported to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress for approval."

Clause 3 of Annex II regards the method for the formation of the Legislative Council and its voting procedures after 2007. It says: "With regard to the method of forming the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and its procedures for voting on bills and motions after 2007, if there is a need to amend the provisions of this annex, such amendments must be made with the endorsement of a two-thirds majority of all the members of the Council and the consent of the Chief Executive, and they shall be reported to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress for the record."

The NPC session also adopted the amended Foreign Trade Law. The revised law will come into force from July 1, 2004.

Close

Today's Top News     Top China News
NPC adopts interpretations of Hong Kong Basic Law         Oil finds to ease national thirst         Lien Chan files suit for new poll         Dorm blast injures 6, suspect detained         Constitution helps man fight for home         Troublemakers 'try to plunge HK into turmoil'	Troublemakers 'try to plunge HK into turmoil'       Judge jailed for 'lenient sentence' of rapist       Constitution helps man fight for home       Information security system to be built       Lien Chan files suit for new poll       Landslide forces villagers to evacuate