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Zeng's remarks boost peace bid by Democrats

The Democrats' peace overture to Beijing received another encouraging response yesterday when Vice-President Zeng Qinghong said reconciliation was not an issue as the central government had never been in conflict with anybody.

His remarks came as the Legislative Council unanimously passed a goodwill motion moved by veteran Democrat Martin Lee Chu-ming calling for harmony with Beijing.

Mr Zeng, speaking at the end of a visit to Tunisia, said more communication could reduce mutual misunderstandings. He also said the central government was willing to communicate with people from different sectors 'in a suitable time or environment'.

But he said the basis for communication should be upholding 'one country, two systems' and maintaining Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.

It would be difficult for both sides to communicate if there was any opposition, he said.

In a rare show of unity last night, the motion urging people to join hands with Beijing to 'truly implement' the 'one country, two systems' concept was passed without the usual verbal fireworks and without the need for a vote count.

Ending the two-hour debate, Mr Lee said Mr Zeng's latest remarks were very positive. He said the gap created by distrust between Beijing and Hong Kong was so great that urgent remedial action was needed.

'Our firm position on democracy doesn't necessarily mean we and Beijing should be polarised like fire and water. No matter how big our differences, there must be room for co-operation,' he said.

In Tunisia, Mr Zeng said he knew democracy activists hoped they would regain their revoked home return permits so they could visit the mainland. But he also said the department responsible for issuing the permits had its reasons for not granting their wishes.

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