No monitors for Hong Kong polls

BEIJING, MARCH 14: A top Chinese leader has ruled out the possibility of mainland sending observers to Hong Kong Special Administrative Regi...

BEIJING, MARCH 14: A top Chinese leader has ruled out the possibility of mainland sending observers to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) to monitor the first legislative council elections in May, the first under Chinese sovereignty.

"There is no plan for the mainland to send a delegation to SAR to monitor the elections," Chinese vice-premier and foreign minister Qian Qichen said here on Friday.

Qian, who played a crucial role in Hong Kong’s handover to China from British sovereignty on July 1, 1997, said the forthcoming elections to the first legislative council were solely a matter of the SAR government. Apart from finalising the methods, the SAR has also been trusted with the organisation and preparation of the polls, Qian said.

He stressed his belief that the polls would be conducted in "a fair, impartial and open manner." Qian predicted greater development in "all areas" of Sino-British relations.

SP leader Azam Khan walks out of jail after 23 months, hundreds of supporters welcome him

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Senior Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan, who is facing multiple cases, walked out of the Sitapur jail today after 23 months. He was scheduled to be released early Tuesday morning, but it was delayed due to impending court proceedings. Hundreds of supporters gathered outside the Sitapur jail, waiting for the SP leader to walk out of prison.

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