Full support: Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa announces that he backs an interpretation of Basic Law Annexes I & II by National People's Congress Standing Committee members. He is flanked by Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang, Secretary for Justice Elsie Leung and Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam.

National People's Congress Standing Committee members will give interpretations on Basic Law Annexes I & II at its next meeting from April 2 to 6.

They will deliberate the draft of interpretations on Article 7 of Annex I and Article 3 of Annex II involving Hong Kong's political development after 2007.

The draft will also be presented to the standing committee's Basic Law Committee for consultation.

The meeting schedule was set today at a conference of the committee's chairman and vice-chairmen.

A good move

Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa backed the move, saying the interpretation can help halt unnecessary argument on Hong Kong's constitutional development and eliminate public concern.

He said it shows the Central Government attaches great importance to the issue and complies with the Constitution and the Basic Law.

Mr Tung said constitutional development is complicated and affects the implementation of the Basic Law and the One Country Two Systems concept. It also affects the interests of Hong Kong, various sectors of the community and our long-term development.

Noting possible public concern over the move, Mr Tung said a correct interpretation is necessary to give Hong Kong a firm foundation in planning its future.

Mr Tung said the Constitutional Development Task Force has almost completed drafting its report on public views on procedure matters related to the constitutional issue. It will present these to congress representatives on March 30, and explain the Government's stance on the issue.

Regarding the principle matters, Mr Tung said the task force is still working on them.

Congress' input necessary 

Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang said Basic Law Article 158 states "the power of interpretation of this law shall be vested in the National People's Congress Standing Committee".

Noting Hong Kong's constitutional development is an issue involving relations between the city and the Mainland, he said the issue cannot be handled by Hong Kong only.

Mr Tsang said the public can read the task force's report on public views on procedure matters at all District Offices and on the Constitutional Development website from March 30.