Daily Press Briefing

Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman

Washington, DC

July 1, 2004

 

QUESTION: Hong Kong. Do you have anything on the demonstration yesterday -- oh, no -- yeah -- today?

 

MR. ERELI: We would note that the United States respects the right of the people of Hong Kong to express their commitment to democracy and political reform peacefully. As we've said many times, it is up to the people of Hong Kong and the Government of Hong Kong to determine the pace and scope of democratization. It is our longstanding policy to support Hong Kong's move toward electoral reform and universal suffrage, as provided for in the basic law.

 

Yes, a follow-up? Do you have a follow up?

 

QUESTION: Yeah. I remember last year, after the first large-scale demonstration, you had a quite similar remark on that issue. And a year later, as you can see, the democracy in Hong Kong did not progress that much. Is it a concern for you? And the number of the people march on the street seems to be decreased.

 

MR. ERELI: What I would say to that is what I said earlier, that it is up to the people and government of Hong Kong to determine the pace and scope of democratization. That is something that they are doing and I don't have any comment beyond -- particular comment beyond that.

 

To see the transcript, please see attached.