BEIJING, July 5 (Xinhuanet) -- An official in charge of the Commission of Legislative Affairs of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on Saturday described as important the speech made Saturday by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa regarding Article 23 of theBasic Law.

　　"Safeguarding national security is a prerequisite for the successful implementation of 'one country, two systems', aprerequisite for maintaining good relations between Hong Kong andthe Chinese mainland, and it is a prerequisite for revitalizingthe economy and safeguarding our long-term interests," Tung said at a press conference on the HKSAR government's amendments to the drafted National Security Bill, known as Article 23.

    The NPC official said that he fully agree with Tung on that legislation of Article 23 is the solemn responsibility of the HKpeople and the HKSAR government to implement the Basic Law and safeguard national security, which is a prerequisite for the successful implementation of the principles of "one country, twosystems" and "HK people governing HK".

　　During the legislative process of Article 23, the HKSARgovernment has always been listening to and adopting the opinions of the public, has always been sticking to Article 39 of the BasicLaw and safeguarding the rights and freedoms of the HK people, andthis time, it has decided to make further amendments to the bill,the official noted.

　　"The way in which the HKSAR government has been doing isappropriate and I believe the public recognizes and accepts it,"the official said.

　　The official expressed his hope that members of the HKSARLegislative Council and the public consider for the fundamental and long-term interests of Hong Kong and actively support and cooperate with the HKSAR government to complete the legislative process on schedule. Enditem