Official: Hong Kong's Democracy Hopes Dim

[G_j]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-4020847,00.html

Official: Hong Kong's Democracy Hopes Dim

Monday April 26, 2004 4:01 AM


By MIN LEE

Associated Press Writer

HONG KONG (AP) - China's most powerful legislative committee ruled Monday that Hong Kong will not have direct elections for its next leader in 2007, an official said, crushing hopes in the Chinese territory for any quick move toward full democracy.

Tsang Hin-chi, a Hong Kong delegate to the Chinese National People's Congress Standing Committee, said in Beijing that the territory can make changes to its electoral methods but that they must come gradually.

Critics charged that Beijing was thwarting Hong Kong's democratic aspirations and setting the stage for further disgruntlement among residents who are extremely unhappy with their current government under Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa.

In remarks carried on Hong Kong television, Tsang told reporters that the Standing Committee had voted almost unanimously to approve its latest stance on Hong Kong democracy, with 156 votes backing the ruling and one abstention.

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[w4rma]

1. Chinese goverment fascists. (nt)