*EPF412 04/22/2004
Text: Sen. Brownback's Resolution Highlights Hong Kong's Autonomy
(Senator Brownback's April 22 press release) (620)

Senator Sam Brownback, Republican of Kansas and chairman of the East Asia Subcommittee of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced a resolution on April 21 that "highlights Hong Kong's autonomy as envisioned by the Hong Kong Policy Act" and the "unfortunate steps taken in Beijing to frustrate Hong Kong's democratic development," according to a press release issued by his office.

Following is the text of the press release:

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Sam Brownback
United States Senator - Kansas
303 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-6521
http://brownback.senate.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE
Contact Brian Hart/Aaron Groote
April 22, 2004

BROWNBACK INTRODUCES HONG KONG RESOLUTION
Calls for embracing vision of democracy

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Sam Brownback yesterday introduced a resolution highlighting Hong Kong's autonomy and the steps taken in Beijing to frustrate Hong Kong's democratic development.

"Hong Kong has been a great friend of the United States, a key ally in the war on terrorism and an invaluable trading partner," Brownback said. "In recent weeks, however, it has become increasingly clear that Beijing will stand in the way of Hong Kong's development into a full democracy."

Brownback's resolution recognizes the recent report from the State Department dealing with the U.S.-Hong Kong relationship. It highlights Hong Kong's autonomy as envisioned by the Hong Kong Policy Act, and it highlights the unfortunate steps taken in Beijing to frustrate Hong Kong's democratic development. The resolution says Congress should declare "that the people of Hong Kong should be free to determine the pace and scope of constitutional developments" and that anything less violates the vision of democracy set forth in the 1984 Joint Declaration signed by Great Britain and the People's Republic of China.

The Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 sets forth the guidelines for the U.S. relationship with Hong Kong. It provides for a special and distinct relationship with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, even as the U.S. recognizes that Hong Kong is a part of China. This special relationship rests on the notion that Hong Kong will be governed differently than the rest of China.

Brownback continued, "Unfortunately, Beijing continues to suggest that it has no intention of realizing Hong Kong's democratic potential. Recent decisions by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress push direct election of Hong Kong's Chief Executive into the future. Hong Kong's Legislative Counsel faces a similar fate. Some observers even suggest Beijing will wait another 30 or 40 years to allow universal suffrage in the selection of executive and legislative office holders to become a reality. By then, the 50 year special arrangement will be near expiration, threatening everything the people of Hong Kong have achieved.

"I traveled to Hong Kong in January. My Subcommittee on East Asia and Pacific Affairs held a hearing last month where we heard testimony from Hong Kong's leading democracy advocates. A clear message emerges from everyone with whom I have spoken on this issue: Hong Kong is ready for full democracy. The people have demonstrated the ability to create a vibrant society and they deserve universal suffrage and the ability to participate fully in the functions of government.

"When Martin Lee came to testify about the importance of democratic development in March, Beijing referred to him as a dreamer. They meant it as an insult, but Mr. Lee embraces the label as he looks to a future of freedom in Hong Kong. This body can make a powerful statement of support for Martin Lee's democratic dreams by passing this resolution."

Brownback is chairman of the East Asia Subcommittee of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

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(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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