Ten years after handover, Britain calls for democracy in Hong Kong

Jul 1, 2007, 12:28 GMT

Hong Kong - Britain called for democracy as soon as possible in its former colony Hong Kong in a statement marking the 10th anniversary of the city's return to Chinese rule.

Foreign secretary David Miliband praised Hong Kong as 'one of the 21st century's great cities' but made it clear that it sees the introduction of universal suffrage as the key concern.

Miliband, who along with other British government officials was not invited to this weekend's 10th anniversary celebrations, said: 'The UK joins Hong Kong in celebrating the city's remarkable success since 1997.

'With its talented, optimistic and industrious people, vibrant society, free media, and fair and transparent systems of government and law, it is moving towards an even greater future.

'We hope that Hong Kong will continue to prosper ... and that its government can make significant progress in the coming months towards introducing a system of universal suffrage as soon as possible.'

China and the Hong Kong administration have refused so far to give a timetable for universal suffrage in the city of 6.9 million which currently has only limited democracy.

Chinese leader Hu Jintao has presided over a weekend of relatively low-key celebrations marking the return to Hong Kong to Chinese sovereignty at midnight on June 30, 1997.

President Hu was due to leave Hong Kong later Sunday morning before a pro-democracy march through the city expected to be attended by thousands of demonstrators.