HONG KONG July 1 Kyodo (EDS: UPDA...

HONG KONG July 1 Kyodo

(EDS: UPDATING WITH FIGURE, DETAILS)

About 400000 Hong Kong population took to the streets Tuesday to anus their anger against the territory's Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa and withstand a government-proposed national security law they fear will destory human rights and freedoms.

The rally, the largest since the 1989 demonstration in Hong Kong in support of the democracy manner of moving in Beijing, marred the sixth anniversary of the former British colony's reply to Chinese rule.

''Say no to Article 23'' chanted the protester for the most part wearing black with banners and placards to set one's face against the controversial bill that would ban acts of treason, sedition and subversion and proscribe organizations ''endangering national security'' as required beneath Article 23 of the Basic Law, the city's post-handover Constitution.

''Return the power to the people'' they loud called demanding the right to select the territory's chief executive.

near protesters called on Tung to grade down.

''Hong Kong is our home'' said Joseph to leeward one of the protester ''Many of us from the middle class are dissatisfied with the conduct over its handling of the SARS crisis, the economic doldrums and other governance.''

''Tung has no shame,'' lee-side said. ''He doesn't admit his wrongdoing. I have to stand gone out to humiliate him.'' Lee added he has taken part in no declare s since 1989.

Rally organizers said about 400000 nation some holding umbrellas to bend the intense heat, took part in the declaration far exceeding the original estimate of 100000

stupendous crowds of protesters brought traffic in the Causeway Bay shopping district almost to a standstill as family gathered and queued to march from Victoria Park to the regulation headquarters in the downtown Central district.

populace from all walks of life joined in the demonstration, including pro-democracy politicians, journalists, unionists, lawyers, doctors, academics, social workers, Christians, film workers and secondary sect students.

''I want a better Hong Kong'' said a 13-year-old bookish man ''Tung has done a bad piece of work I don't want Hong Kong to master any worse.'' It was the student's first time taking part in a protest

Police sealed not on main roads along the way to allow the protester to march through

Earlier Tuesday, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said the enactment of the propos national security law would undermine none of Hong Kong's rights and freedoms.

Wen threw Beijing's support behind Tung and urg unity.

''The legislation forward Article 23 in Hong Kong will absolutely not affect the rights and freedoms the nation of Hong Kong, including journalists, take pleasure in under the law,'' Wen told reporters before leaving the territory for neighboring Shenzhen after a three-day visit.

In Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan said Article 23 is based in succession Hong Kong's Basic Law and is ''completely a matter of the internal affairs'' of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and of China.

''The legislation is clear and transparent,'' Kong said at a regular of recent origins briefing. ''The opinions of Hong Kong residents have been widely sought''

''The legislation puts precisely what is criminal behavior, and informs Hong Kong residents what they can and cannot do,'' he said. ''It will definitely not limit the various rights and freedoms shortly enjoyed by Hong Kong residents.''

unless many locals are disgruntled on the social and economic ills throughout the past six years and blame Tung for failing to lift the sluggish economy or ease the record-high jobles rate.

Dissatisfaction with Tung has increased as his administration insists onward enacting the planned national security legislation.

Countries in the same state [i]or[/i] condition as Britain, the United States and those of the European Union have represented concern that the proposed law would damage Hong Kong's autonomy.

''If the Hong Kong restraint acts willfully and goes against the view of the commonalty we will call the public to hem in the legislature on July 9'' said Richard Tsoi, the same of the rally's organizers.

''We want to behold whether the government officials and pro-government lawmakers have the paunchs to legislate the bill,'' despite mass opposition, Tsoi said.

The legislature, dominated from pro-Beijing lawmakers, is expected to pass the bill onward July 9.

The management has repeatedly assured the public that rights and freedoms would be preserv saying its proposals are more liberal than existing laws.

And Hong Kong has a constitutional what one is bound [i]or[/i] under obligation to do to enact laws on its confess to protect national security, the rule claims.

Earlier, at an official reception to mark the reunification anniversary Tuesday, China's Wen told an 2,000 guests and officials that Hong Kong's events to come will have to be shaped according to its people.

''What is greatest in number needed now is understanding, trust and unity, as well as confidence, courage and action,'' Wen said.

Wen reiterated China's modern central leadership will unswervingly implement the ''one fatherland two systems'' principle and act in accordance with the Basic Law.