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A number of Hong Kong newspapers carried editorials Thursday welcoming the Basic Law interpretation by the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress (NPC).

They said the interpretation of Clause 2, Article 53 of the Basic Law not only effectively settles the debate on the tenure of the new Chief Executive, but also lays an unshakable legal foundation for the smooth selection of the new Chief Executive on July 10 and will eventually maintain the essential interests of Hong Kong people.

The Hong Kong Commercial Daily said in its editorial that according to the constitution and the Basic Law of Hong Kong, the NPC Standing Committee is empowered to render an interpretation onthe term of office of the new Chief Executive.

The law interpretation will not harm the framework of "one country two systems," "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong" and ahigh level of autonomy. On the contrary, it is a further complement to the Basic Law.

The editorial said that the law interpretation of NPC Standing Committee not only conformed to the constitution, but also complied with the aspirations of Hong Kong people. The controversy on the tenure of the new Chief Executive sustained for a period oftime.

It said most of the Hong Kong people welcome the law interpretation in order to eliminate all inexplicit understanding on the by-election of new Chief Executive of HKSAR, adding the law interpretation by the NPC Standing Committee is necessary and timely.

Wen Wei Po said in its editorial that the interpretation by the NPC Standing Committee on the tenure of the new Chief Executive is authoritative and legally binding, which effectively settles the controversy on the issue and guarantee the smooth election of the new Chief Executive on July 10.

It said the NPC Standing Committee's interpretation also stipulates that specific methods for selecting a Chief Executive of Hong Kong in 2007 could be appropriately modified consistent with the principle of gradual and orderly progress. This showed sincerity of the central authorities in promoting democracy in Hong Kong.

The editorial said the NPC Standing Committee is prudent in implementing its law interpretation right. Besides the strict law procedure and listening to the views of members from the Basic Law Committee of HKSAR under the NPC Standing Committee, the NPC Standing Committee also solicited views from various walks of lifeof Hong Kong before its examining and adopting the interpretation of the Basic Law at the meeting of NPC Standing Committee.

The editorial emphasized that the interpretation of the Basic Law by NPC Standing Committee is as legally binding as the Basic Law and must be adhered to and implemented.

This is not only a requirement of the Basic Law but is in the interests of Hong Kong community. The controversy on the tenure of the new Chief Executive should be stopped and Hong Kong people should put their efforts on the smooth by-election of the new Chief Executive in order to promote the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

Editorial of Ta Kung Pao said that the society is in normal operation and Hong Kong community stays calm on the day of adopting the law interpretation by NPC Standing Committee. The situation of "the law interpretation would erode Hong Kong's rule of law" did not appeared as described by some people.

Editor: Yan