英语文摘:China's top legislature ends bimonthly session, approves amendments to Hong Kong's Basic La

BEIJING, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislature on Saturday approved an amendment to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region regarding the method of selecting Hong Kong's Chief Executive.

The amendment to Annexes I to the Basic Law was approved at the bimonthly meeting of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), the top legislature, which ended Saturday.

The NPC Standing Committee approved an examination report on an amendment to Annexes II of the Basic Law concerning the formation of the city's Legislative Council and agreed to file it on the record.

The NPC Standing Committee's concluding meeting was presided over by Wu Bangguo, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee.

The two amendments would take effect after the legislature's approval, Wu said.

Wu said the two amendments had embodied the common opinions among the Hong Kong communities, gone through due procedures in the laws and was in accordance with interpretations and decisions of the NPC Standing Committee.

The two amendments would help to maintain and promote the long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong, Wu said.

The NPC Standing Committee members had called for unswervingly following the principle of "one country, two systems" and the Basic Law, to push forward a gradual promotion of Hong Kong's political system, Wu said.

Legislators at the session also adopted the People's Mediation Law and the amendment to the Law on Officers in Reserve Forces.

Further, President Hu Jintao signed decrees to publish the new Law, which will come into effect in 2011, and the amendment to the Law on Officers in Reserve Forces, which will be implemented after its being published.

The legislature also ratified the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism.

During his speech at the concluding meeting, Wu also said the situation of China's economy was in a crucial stage from recovery to a steady growth.

However, he noted that the work to maintain satisfactory growth was still an arduous job.

Wu also said he appreciated the reports on cleaner production inspection and grain safety work, which were presented during the session.

The NPC Standing Committee also appointed Chen Jianguo and Shi Zongyuan as vice chairmen of two special committees under the NPC.