Upon media inquiries, the government spokesman responded early in the morning to comments in the US Country Report on Human Rights relating to Hong Kong's constitutional development.

The spokesman said the government was fully alive to the public's aspirations for universal suffrage.

"In November last year, the Chief Executive initiated the discussion on formulating a roadmap for universal suffrage through the Commission on Strategic Development. The Commission aims to draw conclusions on the discussions by early 2007 and hopes that this will provide a basis for us to commence our next phase of work," he said.

On interpretation of the Basic Law, the spokesman emphasized that in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress(NPCSC) had the power to interpret the Basic Law.

"The NPCSC's power to interpret the Basic Law is in general and unqualified terms. This principle is fully acknowledged and respected in Hong Kong and by its courts," he said.

"The exercise of that power by the NPCSC, therefore, has not, and could not have, in any way affected the independence of the Judiciary, the rule of law or, generally, Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy," the spokesman noted. Enditem