The National Security (Legislative Provisions) Bill is in full accord with the "One Country, Two Systems" principle and international human rights standards, said a Hong Kong government spokesman on Monday.
In response to a statement made by British Foreign Office Minister Bill Rammell, the spokesman reiterated that the bill is in full accord with the "One Country, Two Systems" principle and international human rights standards.
"The bill has proposed that all its provisions must be interpreted, applied and enforced in accordance with Chapter III of the Basic Law, which mandates strict compliance with international standards on rights and freedoms, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Our bill will not undermine fundamental rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents," the spokesman was quoted as saying in a Hong Kong government press release.
On the proscription mechanism, the spokesman said there is no question of extending Chinese mainland laws or concepts on national security to Hong Kong.
"The power of proscription would only be exercised in accordance with Hong Kong laws and the ICCPR. All proscription decisions are appealable in the courts of Hong Kong," the spokesman said.
(Xinhua News Agency July 1, 2003)
