Democratic Party leaders and the deputy director of the mainland’s Liaison Office hold an historic meeting. The latter praises Democrats’ “pragmatism”, but warns that not everyone wants universal suffrage.

Hong Kong (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Beijing yesterday invited Hong Kong’s Democratic Party (DP) to make a “responsible decision” and help move the political system forward. Mainland China officials had not met DP representatives since the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989. Li Gang, deputy director of the central government’s Hong Kong liaison office, made the offer.

Li said the meeting was arranged because the DP had adopted a "rational and pragmatic" attitude in seeking a dialogue on political reform.

However, the Democrats said there were still huge differences between them and Beijing, and threatened to veto the Hong Kong government's proposal for the 2012 elections if the central government fails to make substantial concessions.

DP Chairman Albert Ho Chun-yan said Li had promised to convey their views to the central government.

Despite the historic meeting, many observers believe the liaison office was now blatantly interfering in Hong Kong's affairs and acting as if it was the city's "second governing team" after the SAR government.

Describing the atmosphere at the meeting as "frank", Li said it was unavoidable to have different views regarding political reform.

Li said the people of Hong Kong are divided over whether the existing electoral system. Arguing that not everyone wants universal suffrage, he said, “We hope the Democratic Party will seek common ground while reserving huge differences and make a responsible decision to forge consensus on political reform”.

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