BEIJING, June 15 (Xinhua) -- The Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council spoke Saturday on issues related to the amendment of two ordinances concerning the transfer of fugitive offenders by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government.
A spokesperson for the office expressed support, respect and understanding for the decision announced by HKSAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam on Saturday to suspend amending the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Ordinance.
The HKSAR government's move to amend the ordinances initiated in February can help handle the issues related to the transfer of cases regarding Hong Kong residents suspected of murder in Taiwan, plug the loopholes in the HKSAR's existing legal framework and demonstrate rule of law and justice, said the spokesperson, describing the move as necessary and justified.
Noting that the central government supports the HKSAR government in amending the ordinances, the spokesperson said the central government paid close attention to the demonstrations in Hong Kong and relevant social responses.
HKSAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced Saturday that the HKSAR government will suspend sending relevant amendment bills to the Legislative Council for second reading so that it can listen to more opinions and bring calmness back to society soon.
"We support, respect and understand the decision," the spokesperson said.
Lam and the HKSAR government have been getting full acknowledgment from the central government for their work, said the spokesperson, noting that the central government will continue to support their governance in accordance with the law and their efforts with people from all walks of life to safeguard Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.
Noting that the HKSAR police have always been the protector of Hong Kong residents and society, the spokesperson said the central government strongly condemns relevant violent activities and firmly supports the police in cracking down on such activities and police efforts to safeguard Hong Kong's rule of law and social stability.
