Hong Kong media said Saturday the plan of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC) to interpret the Basic Law provisions is timely and significant to fostering consensus over constitutional development.

Takunpao said in a commentary that the central authorities have recently done lots of works on Hong Kong's constitutional development, which has markedly raised Hong Kong people's understanding of the Basic Law, yet not dispelled all the dispute.

"There will not be a concrete base for constitutional development if an authoritative interpretation over Basic Law provisions is not given," said the commentary.

Wenweipo said great deeds since the handover have proved that the Central Government is determined to carry out the principle of "one country, two systems" and the Basic law. The Central Government's measures, including interpreting the Basic Law provisions, all aim at safeguarding Hong Kong's long-term stability and prosperity as well as Hong Kong citizens' interests.

A commentary of China Daily HK Edition said that according to the Basic Law, the power to interpret Hong Kong's mini constitution belongs to the NPCSC. It is high time for the standing committee to give its official interpretation of the Basic law provisions in question since opinions expressed by the local community in the current debate surrounding constitutional development are very diverse.

The commentary said the political system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) is a basic system that concerns the relationship between the central authorities and the SAR. Its development and evolution has a bearing not only on Hong Kong but also on the mainland.

"The earlier such a matter of cardinal principles is clarified, the better it is for Hong Kong and the overall situation," said China Daily.

(Xinhua News Agency March 28, 2004)