Decision on reform 'stays despite veto'

Citizens carry placards and shout slogans outside the Legislative Council headquarters in Admiralty district to support the Hong Kong government's electoral reform package on June 17, 2015. Roy Liu / China Daily

The central and Hong Kong governments and Hong Kong people had worked tirelessly to promote democracy and universal suffrage over the years, the office said, adding that it had confidence in the city's prosperity and stability under the "one country, two systems" principle.

The liaison office also called for Hong Kong people to put aside political bickering and to pool their efforts in developing the economy, improving people's livelihoods and promoting social stability.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying said the opposition camp "voted against the wishes of the majority of the Hong Kong people," denying their democratic right to choose the city's next leader.

Universal suffrage to elect all members of the city's legislature had also become uncertain, he said. "I, the government and millions of Hong Kong people are naturally disappointed.

"It's time for the community to move on," he added, pledging to focus on various economic development and livelihood issues during his remaining two years in office.

"The civil service will continue to serve the public with devotion and professionalism. I sincerely hope that, from now on, the community can ... work together for the common good of Hong Kong," he said.

China Daily's Timothy Chui contributed to this story.