Hong Kong's constitutional development is an internal matter for the city, and foreign governments and legislatures should respect this principle.
The Government issued the statement tonight in response to media enquiries on comments by the US-China Economic & Security Review Commission.
It said it is the common aspiration of the Central People's Government, the Hong Kong Government and the people to successfully implement universal suffrage for the Chief Executive election in 2017 in accordance with the Basic Law and the National People's Congress Standing Committee's interpretations and decisions.
The committee made its decision on August 31 confirming that universal suffrage for the Chief Executive election through "one person, one vote" can be implemented from 2017, and the Government will launch a public consultation at an appropriate juncture to seek the community's views on the specific method for the election.
The statement said the right to freedom of expression, peaceful public processions and assembly are enshrined in the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance.
Police endeavour to strike a balance between facilitating lawful processions and peaceful assembly, and containing the possible impact of such public activities on the community, whilst ensuring public order and safety throughout, it added.
Police will continue to handle all public order events in a fair and impartial manner, and in accordance with Hong Kong law, it said.
