Good co-operation between the Government and political parties will pave the way for the implementation of universal suffrage in 2017 and 2020, Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Stephen Lam says.

With the National People's Congress Standing Committee's decision on a universal suffrage timetable for Hong Kong yesterday, issues relating to the roadmap and electoral models for implementing universal suffrage and for taking forward democracy in 2012 have been left for Hong Kong to determine on its own at this stage.

"We are confident that if we can set aside our differences and work in the overall interest of Hong Kong universal suffrage will be implemented," Mr Lam told reporters after attending Radio Television Hong Kong's City Forum programme today.