EU 'disappointed' with delay to Hong Kong democracy

(HONG KONG) - The European Union said Friday it was disappointed that universal suffrage would not be introduced in Hong Kong in 2012 but that it welcomed the introduction of a timetable for democracy.

"The European Union has consistently supported early progress towards universal suffrage in Hong Kong in accordance with the Basic Law," it said in a statement.

"We consider this to be in the best interest of both Hong Kong and China. We are therefore disappointed that the possibility of universal suffrage in 2012 elections has been ruled out."

China ruled in December that direct election of the former British colony's chief executive would not come before 2017, while that of the entire legislature may be possible starting in 2020.

The move provoked a demonstration by Hong Kong democrats, who want universal suffrage by 2012.

"We note positively chief executive Donald Tsang's statement that a timetable has now been set with a clear prospect of implementation of universal suffrage," the statement added.

China retains the right to have the final say on any political reforms in the city, which were guaranteed under the Basic Law instituted when Britain handed Hong Kong back to China in 1997.

Currently, only half of the territory's 60 legislators are directly elected and the chief executive is chosen by a select group of mainly pro-Beijing figures.