The United States has expressed concern over the apparent lack of progress on reforms leading to universal suffrage for appointing the chief executive after 2007.
In response, the government says studies have been launched with a view to conducting public consultations next year or in 2005.
The Basic Law allows for a gradual and orderly process leading to universal suffrage after 2007. The chief executive is now chosen by an 800-member election committee.
In the latest US-Hong Kong Policy Act Report, the US State Department notes that local officials have committed to extensive consultations on future constitutional developments. 'But [they] have not initiated steps to prepare for changes in electoral arrangements,' the report says.
Addressing the concern, a government spokesman said a study on reviewing constitutional development after 2007 had been launched this year.
He said the review would take into account the situation in Hong Kong and proceed on the basis that change should be orderly and gradual. 'We expect to conduct a public consultation exercise on the review in 2004 or 2005 and to deal with relevant domestic legislation in 2006,'' he said.
