Chief Executive Donald Tsang has called for a consensus on constitutional reform, adding that it is the critical moment for discussion and participation to foster political development in Hong Kong.

Mr Tsang told reporters today that constitutional reform was difficult for Hong Kong, yet it was not hopeless.

He said the difficulty was not due to the lack of a common goal for Hong Kong people, but that the public has different opinions on the pace and priorities of political democratisation.

Mr Tsang said as long as there is positive political discussion and communication, it is possible to narrow differences in views and to reach a consensus, adding that refusal to compromise would only hinder political development.

He said constitutional reform was meaningful and important. "The proposal will lead us to democracy and it will pave the way for universal suffrage set in 2017 and 2020".

He also called for active public participation in the discussion and asked people to share concrete opinions on the arrangements for selecting the Chief Executive and for forming the Legislative Council in 2012.