Military

DATE=10/9/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=CQ HONG KONG DEMOCRACY (L-O)

NUMBER=2-308404

BYLINE= KATHERINE MARIA

DATELINE=HONG KONG

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

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INTRO: Comments by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao that Hong Kong should move gradually toward democracy have sparked criticism from political parties in the territory. A number of groups say Hong Kong's political system needs immediate reform to better reflect the people. V-O-A's Katherine Maria reports from Hong Kong.

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Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Wednesday that Beijing wishes to see the improvement of Hong Kong peoples' lives through the gradual introduction of democracy.

The comments drew a negative reaction from Hong Kong's pro-democratic camp, which claims the Beijing-backed local administration is behind schedule on promises to discuss democratic reform.

Joseph Cheng, is the convener of the Power for Democracy, a coalition of political and civic groups calling for the selection of a new Hong Kong leader through direct elections.

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Chinese leaders have always been telling Hong Kong people that yes, we are thinking of democratization but it has to move along gradually, you cannot expect a very sudden jump. I see no sudden breakthrough or anything remarkable in Wen Jiabao's remark.

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Mr. Cheng says Beijing wants Hong Kong to become a more stable and prosperous city, but Chinese leaders feel this can only be attained through a show of solidarity with the local administration.

Public dissatisfaction with Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa, his administration, and its policies climaxed in July when half a million residents took to the streets. They were particularly angry about a proposed anti-subversion bill, seen as an affront to basic freedoms, and called for Mr. Tung's resignation.

The leader avoided a deepening of the political crisis by withdrawing the contentious bill. Two of his most unpopular ministers also stepped down. But a question remains of how the next leader will be chosen about three-and-one-half years from now.

Hong Kong's often vaguely worded constitution allows for the introduction of a democratic reform by 2007. Pro-democracy parties say changes need to be instituted now for direct and universal elections to take place in 2007 when Mr. Tung's term expires. (SIGNED)

NEB/HK/MEM/RAE/RH