People should take Hong Kong's long-term stability and prosperity and various sectors' interests into consideration when discussing our future constitutional development, the Chief Secretary for Administration says.

Reporting on his trip to Beijing in the Legislative Council this afternoon, Mr Tsang said we should also consider our legal position and the development of capitalism in Hong Kong when dealing with the constitutional issues.

During his stay in Beijing, the Central Government reminded the Task Force on Constitutional Development of its long-term policy on Hong Kong.

The Central authorities stressed that Hong Kong must be run by Hong Kong people who love Hong Kong and our country, Mr Tsang said.

The relationship between Hong Kong and the Central Government is important and the Central Government gives the Hong Kong Government its administrative, legislative and judicial powers.

Central Govt's views must be heard

We must listen to the Central Government's view when we handle the selection methods of the Chief Executive and the Legislative Council, the Chief Secretary added.

The Central Government attaches great importance to our future constitutional development because it involves the implementation of the Basic Law and the concept of 'One Country, Two Systems', the relationship between Hong Kong and the Central Government, the interests of various sectors of the community, and the long-term stability and prosperity of Hong Kong.

The Central authorities consider that, since the principles enshrined in the Basic Law are the foundation of the Hong Kong's political structure, the future constitutional development of Hong Kong must be in line with the relevant principles and legislative process in the Basic Law.

"Two systems" premised on "one country"

The development must also be in line with the principle of "gradual and orderly progress" and we must consider our actual situation.

The Central Authorities have also indicated that the concept of "One Country, Two Systems" cannot be segregated and that "Two Systems" is premised on "One Country".

Mr Tsang stressed that the selection of the Chief Executive and the Legislative Council must be in line with the Basic Law and the concept of "One Country, Two Systems".

Communication will continue

The Government will continue communicating with the Central Government and will also promote local discussion on procedural and principle issues.

Mr Tsang said the task force will continue meeting with various groups and individuals until early March. He hoped the community will discuss the issues rationally and reach a consensus eventually.

Noting that the Central Government and Hong Kong share the same goal, Mr Tsang said the task force has had frank and constructive talks with the Central authorities and the Mainland legal experts.

He believes that the exchanges help both sides have a better understanding of the issues and will allow them to handle the issue on a common basis.