HONG KONG, June 15 (Xinhua) -- An official in charge of the Office of the Commissioner of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Saturday expressed understanding, respect and support for the decision by the HKSAR chief executive to suspend the exercise to amend the HKSAR's Fugitive Offenders Ordinance and the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Ordinance.
The official also voiced continuous staunch support for HKSAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam and the SAR government in governing Hong Kong in accordance with law, safeguarding the country's sovereignty, security and development interests, and upholding Hong Kong's enduring prosperity and stability.
"We firmly support the SAR government's efforts to amend the ordinances," he said, adding that the amendments to the two ordinances aim to plug a legal loophole in the existing legal framework, demonstrate social justice and improve Hong kong's rule of law, which is necessary, legitimate and reasonable.
The contents of the amendments conform to the international law and the common practices of the international community, and help fight crimes, he said.
The official strongly condemned the violent acts by some people, and voiced firm support for the Hong Kong police force to mete out punishment in accordance with law, uphold Hong Kong's rule of law and protect Hong Kong's social stability.
Since Hong Kong's return to the motherland, Hong Kong people have been enjoying uNPRecedented and extensive rights and freedoms, including the freedoms of speech and assembly, he said.
However, freedom is by no means without boundaries, and rights must be exercised within the framework of the rule of law. Any civilized society ruled by law will not tolerate unlawful acts which impact peace and security, he said.
He stressed that Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong and its affairs are purely China's internal affairs. "We resolutely oppose any external forces interfering in its affairs with any excuse or in any form. Any attempts to create chaos in Hong Kong and jeopardize its prosperity and stability are doomed to fail," he said.
"Again, we urge relevant countries to comply with the international law and the basic norms governing international relations, fully respect China's sovereignty and the SAR government in exercising governance in accordance with law and immediately stop the wrong words and deeds that undermine Hong Kong's prosperity and stability," the official said.