Hong Kong: British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said today that China's decision to rule out full democracy in Hong Kong in 2012 was a disappointment and urged for early elections in the city.

"Today's announcement by the National People's Congress that there will not be universal suffrag in the 2012 Hong Kong elections will be a disappointment for all those who want to see Hong Kong move to full democracy as soon as possible," he said in a statement.

He said as the Hong Kong government recognised, a majority of people backed direct election of the chief executive in 2012. With that timeline being rejected, Miliband hoped this could take place in 2017, as China suggested.

"I remain of the view that both China and Hong Kong's interests will be best served by allowing Hong Kong to move to full democracy as soon as possible," he said.

"I hope that all parties concerned can engage in meaningful dialogue to allow this, and that the Hong Kong authorities will now put forward constructive proposals making progress in 2012 to achieve this goal," he added.

Earlier in the day, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress ruled out universal suffrage in 2012 but said it may allow Hong Kong's leader to be directly elected by 2017 and the entire legislature as early as 2020.

The decision by the China Parliament received strong condemnation from Hong Kong's Democrats who said Beijing was dragging its feet on the city's democratic reform but insisted on continuing their fight for democracy in 2012.

Source : PTI