Greater democracy promotes stability, says new US envoy
In the strongest support yet for universal suffrage in Hong Kong, new US consul-general James Cunningham yesterday warned that stability without democracy would be illusory.
In his first public speech since his appointment last month, Mr Cunningham did not shy away from speaking out for Hong Kong's democracy and was adamant that universal suffrage could have been introduced in 2007, despite Beijing's decision against it last year.
'Stability and democracy are not mutually exclusive ... Democracy cannot long be isolated from the freedom and prosperity that Hong Kong enjoys today. If it is, they will be curtailed over time,' he told an American Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
'Greater democracy promotes stability because people want accountable and transparent government which takes into account their interests, and which abides by the law. They want to be assured of a mechanism for change, and a chance to effect change. Stability without democracy is illusory.' He said the city's rule of law, experience of good governance and freedom gave it tremendous advantages that no other society in transition to democracy had enjoyed.
'We believe [universal suffrage] could have been achieved by 2007. We believe that for Hong Kong to meet its own aspirations and, indeed, to realise Beijing's own hopes, that goal [of universal suffrage] must be achieved.'
He would not comment on what should be included in the government's forthcoming report on constitutional reform, but said it was important to move towards universal suffrage. He was quick to add that the US was not in the business of telling Hong Kong or Beijing how to deal with constitutional reform.
'My government has been outspoken on Hong Kong's democratic development. There is nothing unusual about this,' he said.
Mr Cunningham also said there had been plenty of good news recently, with confidence in the government growing and the start of much-needed dialogue between Beijing and Hong Kong.
He said he had met Vice-President Zeng Qinghong , who visited the city last week.
'Mr Zeng made clear in my meeting with him that Beijing wants to maintain Hong Kong's stability, prosperity and attractiveness to foreign investors. The US shares those goals,' he said.
Describing the visit by lawmakers to the mainland this Sunday as a good move, he said: 'It's the beginning of a process that needs to develop. I know [the chief executive] feels that it's important to build trust between Hong Kong and Beijing. You can't build trust without talking.'
Commissioner of the Foreign Ministry's office in Hong Kong Yang Wenchang said last night that constitutional development had to follow the gradual and orderly principle. He would not be drawn on whether the US was interfering with China's internal affairs.
The Hong Kong government said last night it hoped foreign governments would respect the principle that constitutional development should be taken forward according to the Basic Law and the decision of the National People's Congress Standing Committee.
