Swift response comes as government ponders changes to reform package
Premier Wen Jiabao said he was 'very concerned' about Hong Kong's situation and its political development, a day after more than 80,000 people took to the streets to demand universal suffrage.
In an uncharacteristically swift response by a state leader to a mass protest in Hong Kong, Mr Wen told reporters yesterday during his visit to Paris that Hong Kong people should adhere to a gradual approach in seeking democracy.
The premier's remarks came as government sources said limiting the role of appointed district councillors in electing the chief executive in 2007 and six Legco members in 2008 could be a possible way to 'perfect' the reform package - as pledged by Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen on Sunday night.
Mr Wen said: 'I sincerely hope the people of Hong Kong can adhere to the Basic Law and the requirements set out by the NPC Standing Committee, deriving from the actual situation of Hong Kong, and adopt the principle of gradual progress in promoting Hong Kong's democratic political development.
'This would be conducive to the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong as well as the eventual attainment of universal suffrage.'
Government sources said it would take time to study how the reform package could be amended to secure its passage in the legislature - reiterating that it was impossible to give a timetable.
