A Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government spokesman reiterated the government's firm commitment to preserving Hong Kong as a free, open and tolerant society, adding the government would spare no effort in upholding the core values of Hong Kong.

He made the remarks in response to a radio program aired earlier Sunday.

The spokesman said that the government would not allow these core values to be undermined by any individual or organization, irrespective of their background.

"Freedom of speech is protected by the Basic Law. Colleagues of the government will continue to take part in public discussion programs organized by the media and to subject the administration to the scrutiny of the media and the Legislative Council (LegCo). The government's commitment to be held accountable to the public has always been upheld."

Concerning views expressed on the HKSAR's constitutional development, the spokesman said, "In a society as diversified as Hong Kong, where people have such pluralistic views, to facilitate the emergence of an option that would receive broad-based support within the community one would have to accommodate one another's views."

"There would have to be a process of compromise. Different parties would have to be engaged in a dialogue. The Constitutional Development Task Force welcomes the fact that representatives of different parties, including those representing the democrats, took part in the two seminars organized in May and June. We hope that these discussions will facilitate the building of a consensus in future," he said.

He called on different sectors of the community to use the existing channels to make their views known to the Constitutional Development Task Force.

Concerning the upcoming LegCo elections, he said the government was committed to keeping the LegCo elections free, open and honest. The Electoral Affairs Commission will work closely with the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and the Police in ensuring that the elections are free from illegal or corrupt practices. Any person who feels that he is placed under duress with regard to electoral matters should report to the ICAC immediately. The authorities will enforce the law vigilantly, said the spokesman.

(Xinhua News Agency June 14, 2004)