The Government will commence the discussions on specific models for implementing universal suffrage for the Chief Executive in July, and thereafter start to discuss on various models for implementing universal suffrage for the LegCo, says Secretary for Constitutional Affairs Stephen Lam.

Speaking on yesterday's mass rally on Hong Kong Island, Mr Lam reiterated that the Government will listen to the public's views consistently and also take forward Hong Kong's constitutional development according to the Basic Law.

"We are hopeful that in the light of these discussions, we will be able to put forward a report to summarise the conclusions reached by early 2007," he added.

"And that report, which will be made public and be put to Beijing, will actually provide a broad basis for us to take forward discussions on democratic developments between 2007 and 2012."

Mr Lam noted the 2007-08 package was put forward last year to incorporate District Councillors into the system for returning the Chief Executive and for selecting LegCo Members; and that package was supported by about 60 per cent of the population.

"Even though we were not able to secure two-thirds majority in the LegCo for taking forward this particular package, we are very committed to taking forward practical steps to further democratic progress in Hong Kong according to the Basic Law." Mr Lam added.

"That's why in the course of the last six months, we have commenced discussions in the Commission on Strategic Development."  

He said the discussions on the principles enshrined in the Basic Law about universal suffrage have just been concluded.