Democrats seek talks with Beijing
The democratic camp will meet today with hopes of establishing a direct channel to discuss the city's constitutional reform with Beijing.
Ronny Tong Ka-wah, legislator of the Article 45 Concern Group, said the democratic allies would endorse their common position on political reforms during the meeting. They would also discuss what action to take as the next step.
With the government due to release the mainstream electoral proposals later this year, the democrats met to discuss their strategies last Saturday.
Mr Tong said there should be a mechanism for regular dialogue between the democrats and the central government on the reform details.
'The Hong Kong government gives us the impression that it only listens to what Beijing says. We shouldn't expect it will fight for what Hong Kong people want.'
He said there was genuine need for more dialogue, in light of Beijing's criticism that some local lawmakers were a threat to state security. He was referring to remarks by Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office deputy director Chen Zuoer , made in response to reporters' question on whether the central government would arrange a visit for all 60 lawmakers to the capital. Mr Chen said some democrats were acting to endanger national security, which was why they were banned from the mainland.
National People's Congress Standing Committee member Tsang Hin-chi said it would be a good move for lawmakers to visit the mainland.
'But if these people insist [on] calling for the end of one-party rule and to overthrow the Chinese Communist Party, then there won't be a basis for communication.
'I hope they can give up such thinking and love the country,' he said, while attending the anniversary of the patriotic group Friends of Hong Kong Association.
Addressing the group's dinner, Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen declared that Hong Kong's economic recovery was at full speed but said he realised that, while public confidence had rebounded, people's expectations of the government were also high.
