The issue of universal suffrage is a matter for Hong Kong and the Central Authorities to deal with according to the Basic Law, the Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Bureau says, urging foreign governments to continue to respect this principle.

In response to the statement by the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office regarding the city's constitutional development, the bureau today said the Central Authorities and the Government are committed to enabling Hong Kong to roll forward democracy in accordance with the Basic Law.

The Government has put forth a package of proposals for the two electoral methods for 2012, the bureau added. If Hong Kong can achieve consensus on the 2012 electoral methods, the city will have more confidence and will be in a better position to implement universal suffrage.

As to the future universal suffrage models, the Government has made it clear they should comply with the Basic Law and the principles of universality and equality.

The bureau said the Government has been reflecting pro-actively and faithfully to the Central Authorities the views of different political parties and individuals on constitutional development, and their aspiration to communicate with the Central Authorities.

It is hoped the communication which has started recently will create a rational and pragmatic environment for Hong Kong, helping the community narrow differences and forge consensus on the proposed package for 2012.