Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09HONGKONG1313
2009-07-17 08:27:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Consulate Hong Kong
Cable title:
CONSUL GENERAL'S FAREWELL CALL ON LEGISLATIVE
how-toVZCZCXRO9826 PP RUEHCN RUEHGH RUEHVC DE RUEHHK #1313 1980827 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 170827Z JUL 09 FM AMCONSUL HONG KONG TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8106 INFO RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC PRIORITY RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L HONG KONG 001313
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR EAP/CM
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/17/2019
TAGS: PGOV PREL ECON EINV CH HK
SUBJECT: CONSUL GENERAL'S FAREWELL CALL ON LEGISLATIVE
COUNCIL PRESIDENT JASPER TSANG
REF: HONG KONG 1303
Classified By: Consul General Joe Donovan for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L HONG KONG 001313
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR EAP/CM
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/17/2019
TAGS: PGOV PREL ECON EINV CH HK
SUBJECT: CONSUL GENERAL'S FAREWELL CALL ON LEGISLATIVE
COUNCIL PRESIDENT JASPER TSANG
REF: HONG KONG 1303
Classified By: Consul General Joe Donovan for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) During the Consul General's July 15 farewell call on
Legislative Council (LegCo) President Jasper Tsang, the CG
reiterated that the USG attached importance to Chief
Executive Donald Tsang's July 2009 statements that he would
proceed with political consultations to prepare a
constitutional reform package for the 2012 elections. The CG
expressed hope that all parties would show flexibility in
reaching compromises on contentious, fundamental political
issues such as the composition of LegCo, and the process of
electing LegCo members. Jasper Tsang agreed, saying,
"Everyone will be disappointed if we can't take a step
forward in 2012."
2. (C) The CG asked Tsang to comment on the July 14 decision
by the Court of First Instance that enables a judicial review
of LegCo select committee powers to summon testimony and
documents from individuals (reftel). Tsang said, "My legal
advisor believes there is no chance we'll be successfully
challenged." He noted that Hong Kong's Legislative Council
(Powers and Privileges) Ordinance of 1985 remains in full
effect, as the Ordinance was included in the list of laws
deemed compatible with Hong Kong's post-handover
constitution. Tsang asserted that the Ordinance enables the
LegCo to establish and empower select committees with the
right to compel the appearance of witnesses. (Note: Section
nine of the Ordinance appears to support Tsang's comments.
It empowers the LegCo -- or a standing committee authorized
by a LegCo vote -- to order the attendance of a witness and
"any paper, book, record or document in the possession or
under the control of such person." End note.). Tsang
discounted the court case, saying it would "not seriously
affect" the LegCo's work.
3. (C) In concluding the meeting, the CG thanked Tsang for
his efforts in ensuring the success of U.S. House of
Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi's recent congressional
delegation visit to Hong Kong. The CG said the Consulate
General will continue to encourage visits to Hong Kong by
U.S. Congressmen.
DONOVAN
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR EAP/CM
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/17/2019
TAGS: PGOV PREL ECON EINV CH HK
SUBJECT: CONSUL GENERAL'S FAREWELL CALL ON LEGISLATIVE
COUNCIL PRESIDENT JASPER TSANG
REF: HONG KONG 1303
Classified By: Consul General Joe Donovan for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) During the Consul General's July 15 farewell call on
Legislative Council (LegCo) President Jasper Tsang, the CG
reiterated that the USG attached importance to Chief
Executive Donald Tsang's July 2009 statements that he would
proceed with political consultations to prepare a
constitutional reform package for the 2012 elections. The CG
expressed hope that all parties would show flexibility in
reaching compromises on contentious, fundamental political
issues such as the composition of LegCo, and the process of
electing LegCo members. Jasper Tsang agreed, saying,
"Everyone will be disappointed if we can't take a step
forward in 2012."
2. (C) The CG asked Tsang to comment on the July 14 decision
by the Court of First Instance that enables a judicial review
of LegCo select committee powers to summon testimony and
documents from individuals (reftel). Tsang said, "My legal
advisor believes there is no chance we'll be successfully
challenged." He noted that Hong Kong's Legislative Council
(Powers and Privileges) Ordinance of 1985 remains in full
effect, as the Ordinance was included in the list of laws
deemed compatible with Hong Kong's post-handover
constitution. Tsang asserted that the Ordinance enables the
LegCo to establish and empower select committees with the
right to compel the appearance of witnesses. (Note: Section
nine of the Ordinance appears to support Tsang's comments.
It empowers the LegCo -- or a standing committee authorized
by a LegCo vote -- to order the attendance of a witness and
"any paper, book, record or document in the possession or
under the control of such person." End note.). Tsang
discounted the court case, saying it would "not seriously
affect" the LegCo's work.
3. (C) In concluding the meeting, the CG thanked Tsang for
his efforts in ensuring the success of U.S. House of
Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi's recent congressional
delegation visit to Hong Kong. The CG said the Consulate
General will continue to encourage visits to Hong Kong by
U.S. Congressmen.
DONOVAN