HONG KONG, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Various groups in Hong Kong on Tuesday hailed the passage of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and voiced their support.

The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) said the law is of great importance as it helps plug the loopholes in safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, stop violence and curb disorder, and ensure the successful practice of "one country, two systems."

It said the law will also ensure the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and protect the legitimate rights and interests of Hong Kong residents.

The DAB said the passage of the law demonstrates that the central authorities have confidence in Hong Kong and attach great importance to Hong Kong's law enforcement and judiciary as well as the legitimate rights and interests of Hong Kong residents.

The DAB called on Hong Kong residents from all walks of life to join hands to support the implementation of the law, safeguard national security, restore Hong Kong's stability and order and focus on livelihood and economy.

The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions (HKFTU) said the law can plug the loopholes in safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, effectively stop violence and curb disorder, and crack down on relevant criminal acts and activities, so as to ensure the steady and sustained development of the cause of "one country, two systems."

The law will provide more comprehensive protection for the legitimate rights and interests of Hong Kong residents and enable Hong Kong to better integrate into the overall development of the country so as to enjoy greater room for its growth, the HKFTU said.

Noting that the legislation process was carried out strictly in accordance with the Constitution, the Basic Law of HKSAR and the Legislation Law, the HKFTU said opinions of various sectors in Hong Kong have also been fully solicited and studied.

The Hong Kong Coalition hailed the passage of the law as a strong measure to stop violence and curb social disorder, as well as plug the legal loophole in safeguarding national security in Hong Kong.

The coalition, which was launched in May with an aim of uniting the whole society and finding a way out of the current predicament for Hong Kong, called on all people to put aside political disputes and unite as one to jointly safeguard Hong Kong.

Expressing its full support for the passage of the law, the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers urged the HKSAR government to carry out national security education in the society as the law comes into force and set guidelines on education on the law and provide training for teachers.

It also called on the HKSAR government to provide more support to schools in strengthening education on national conditions.

The New People's Party said the law will help restore peace and order in the Hong Kong society and boost development of economy and improve people's livelihood.

The law's enactment marks a new beginning for Hong Kong 23 years after its return to the motherland, as well as a new stage in the implementation and development of "one country, two systems," the group said.

Calling the law a milestone in the practice of the "one country, two systems," the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong appealed to all sectors in Hong Kong to set aside differences, commit themselves to socio-economic development, respect and abide by the law and support the law enforcement agencies in clamping down on criminal acts endangering national security. Enditem

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