EU supports 'one country, two systems' principle in Hong Kong

BRUSSELS, Aug 17 (KUNA) -- The European Union (EU) Saturday underlined its close relations with Hong Kong under the 'one country, two systems' principle.
EU High Representative Federica Mogherini, in a declaration on behalf of the 28-member EU, noted that for the last two months, large numbers of citizens in Hong Kong have been exercising their fundamental right of assembly.
"However, there has recently been a rising number of unacceptable violent incidents, with risks of further violence and instability. It is crucial that restraint be exercised, violence rejected, and urgent steps taken to de-escalate the situation," said the EU Declaration.
"Fundamental freedoms, including the right of peaceful assembly, and Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy under the 'one country, two systems' principle, are enshrined in the Basic Law and in international agreements and must continue to be upheld," it added. (end) nk.lr