Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive Donald Tsang appealed to the public here Saturday to assume a pragmatic and down-to-earth attitude to carry on constitutional reform.

Speaking on a radio show Saturday morning, Tsang referred to the history of forming European Union and said pragmatism is a "defining characteristic" of Hong Kong people, who have worked industriously together to forge an economic miracle.

"That is why I am confident that all political differences can be resolved as long as we maintain a pragmatic approach," he said.

From a long career in the civil service, Tsang went on to say that he has learned the ability to resolve difficult issues, which with administrative skills, tenacity and commitment are essential elements of pragmatic politics.

(Xinhua News Agency August 26, 2006)