China's top committee is poised for HK crackdown

[dArKeR]

AFP , BEIJING
Saturday, Apr 03, 2004,Page 1

China's top legislative committee yesterday began a meeting hinting that it would reject growing calls in Hong Kong for more democracy, including direct elections for its next leader by 2007.

The five-day meeting of the National People's Congress' Standing Committee is believed to be an attempt to quell demands for democratic reform in the former British colony -- something Beijing fears will weaken its control.

The committee began deliberating draft interpretations on two clauses of Hong Kong's mini-constitution, the Basic Law, concerning how the territory's top leader and lawmakers are chosen, the Xinhua news agency said yesterday.

Hinting that China is not ready to allow direct elections, Xinhua quoted a committee official saying the Basic Law makes "clear that constitutional development must proceed step by step."

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2004/04/03/2003116465

Why is aWol supporting these dirty Communist Chinese?

[Ms. Clio]

1. well hell, that's an easy one

Dubya don't believe in direct democracy, either.

[daleo]

2. Maybe Bush can lend them some tank drivers

Just in case there is a need in Tienanmen Square (see today's news from Iraq).