Tuesday, 01-Jul-2003

WASHINGTON, July 1 (AFP) - The United States on Tuesday called for the government of Hong Kong to listen to voices of hundreds of thousands street demonstrators protesting a proposed anti-subversion law.

The State Department, echoing earlier US concern about the law which comes under Article 23 of the territory's charter with China, said the protests showed the importance Hong Kong residents attach to political and civil liberties.

They are "an open expression of concern about the pending legislation which speaks to the importance of freedom of speech and strong civil liberties for the people of Hong Kong," spokesman Richard Boucher said.

"The large turnout underscores how important it is for the Hong Kong government not to rush Article 23 legislation to enactment before the Legislative Council can discuss concerns raised by Hong Kong's citizenry through the most transparent means possible," he told reporters.

"The United States remains committed to the preservation of Hong Kong's economy and fundamental freedom," Boucher said.

"We strongly encourage the Hong Kong government to consider additional proposals for clarification and for safeguards as the Article 23 bill is considered in the Legislative Council," he said.

Earlier Tuesday in Hong Kong, up to 500,000 people joined in a mass demonstration against the law in the territory's biggest protest since more than one million people rallied after the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre in Beijing.

The protestors fear that the legislation -- being considered under Under Article 23 of the Basic Law, the territory's mini-constitution -- could erode political freedom six years after its return to Chinese rule.

The Hong Kong government is expected to sign the bill into law on July 9 despite efforts by opposition members in Legislative Council to pass motions scrapping the bill.

Under the proposal, Hong Kong is obliged to pass legislation banning treason, sedition, subversion and the theft of state secrets.

Critics are concerned that China could use it to suppress freedoms, prevent reports of government abuse, prevent protests against the government and harm access to legal representation.

They also fear it will allow authorities to crush groups that are outlawed in China but presently allowed to practice in Hong Kong, such as the Falun Gong spiritual movement. They also say the definitions for "subversive" or "secessionist" elements are too vague and open to abuse.

Washington has been outspoken in its concerns about the Article 23 legislation and has for some months been pressing Hong Kong legislators to clarify or amend it to address the issues.

http://www.ptd.net/webnews/wed/bv/Qus-hongkong-china.RwrV_Dl1.html