BBC: US Congress Urges Hong Kong Government to Withdraw Plans for Article 23

US House of Representatives Approves a Resolution Warning That Hong Kong's Basic Freedoms Are in Danger

(Clearwisdom.net June 28, 2003) BBC reported on June 27, 2003. After White House released a statement concerning Hong Kong's legislation on Article 23, the congress approved a resolution calling on China and Hong Kong to withdraw plans for Article 23.

House of Representatives approved by a 426-1 margin a resolution.

This resolution urges leaders and people of US and other countries to issue clear statement against legislation limiting Hong Kong's freedom and forward the statement to Chinese government.

H. Res. 277 also calls for immediate elections for positions on the

Legislative Council of Hong Kong "according to rules approved by the

Hong Kong people through an election-law convention, referendum, or

both."

Representative Christopher Cox (Republican of California) introduced

H. Res. 277. He calls on Hong Kong government to withdraw the proposal in dispute.

He said before the resolution on floor that he understood the wish of those parties wanting to implement Article 23, but the application of the proposal would harm basic human rights of Hong Kong, such as freedom of speech, press and association.

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