Quotable

"The central government holds the unwavering position to fulfill universal suffrage in the region by 2017, and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government has the determination and confidence to successfully accomplish this. With the responsibility and obligations shouldered by Hong Kong citizens, I believe all obstacles can be overcome."

Li Fei, deputy secretary-general of the Standing Committee of the 12th National People's Congress, China's top legislature, made the remarks at a symposium on Hong Kong's universal suffrage on Thursday. About 220 political advisers and lawmakers from the mainland and Hong Kong attended the meeting. Li stressed patriotism, adherence to law and local prosperity as musts in practicing universal suffrage in Hong Kong by 2017.