Los Angeles, CA – The following statements were released earlier today on the developing situation in Hong Kong:
From the White House:
“The United States supports universal suffrage in Hong Kong in accordance with the ‘Basic Law’ and we support the aspirations of the Hong Kong people.
“We believe that an open society with the highest possible degree of autonomy and governed by the rule of law is essential for Hong Kong’s stability and prosperity.
“Indeed, this is what has made Hong Kong such a successful and truly global city to this point.
“We’ve consistently made our position known to Beijing and we’ll continue to do so. We believe that the basic legitimacy of the Chief Executive in Hong Kong will be greatly enhanced if the Basic Law’s ultimate aim of selection of the Chief Executive by universal suffrage is fulfilled.
“We also believe that the legitimacy of the Chief Executive will be enhanced if the election provides the people of Hong Kong a genuine choice of candidates that are representative of the people’s and the voters’ will.”
From the US Consulate General in Hong Kong:
“The United States strongly supports Hong Kong’s well-established traditions and Basic Law protections of internationally recognized fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and freedom of the press.
“We do not take sides in the discussion of Hong Kong’s political development, nor do we support any particular individuals or groups involved in it.
“Hong Kong’s stability and prosperity have long benefited from a vigorous dialogue among its citizens and a firmly established tradition of the peaceful and orderly expression of differing views.
“In accordance with this tradition, we encourage all sides to refrain from actions that would further escalate tensions, to exercise restraint, and to express views on the SAR’s political future in a peaceful manner.”
From the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) in Hong Kong:
“The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong The AmCham Hong Kong office is staffed today, but our noontime event will be rescheduled because transportation to Central and immediate surrounding areas is limited by police restrictions on road and MTR use.
“The Chamber urges all parties in the current situation to avoid violence and to vigorously pursue constructive discussions in an environment that embraces the principles of the rule of law and transparency for which Hong Kong is justly so well known.
“The Chamber urges a de-escalation of the current tensions, and it encourages a return to the usual stability on the streets and of business operations while the leaders and participants in all sides in the demonstrations work toward a resolution of their disputes.”
From the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) in Hong Kong:
“We are monitoring the situation closely, and cannot say much more than that at this point in time.
“Our own HKTDC promotional activities and events will continue as planned, and we are confident that Hong Kong’s firm foundation of free trade and its resilient economy will maintain the territory’s position as a prime regional and international business hub.”
As of this posting, the US Embassy has not issued a statement commenting on the situation in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
09/30/2014