Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government fully respects people's legal rights to take part in processions and their freedom of expression, and will listen to their views in a humble manner, a government spokesman said Monday.

"Taking forward the constitutional development of Hong Kong is an important policy objective of the current-term (HKSAR) Government. The (HKSAR) Government will implement universal suffrage for the Chief Executive Election in 2017 strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Basic Law and the relevant decisions of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress," the spokesman said in response to the procession.

The spokesman said that the HKSAR Government "will launch the consultation on the methods of the 2017 Chief Executive Election and the 2016 Legislative Council Election and initiate the constitutional procedures at an appropriate juncture."

"We hope the community can forge a consensus on the implementation of universal suffrage by adopting a rational, pragmatic and accommodating attitude," he added.

The HKSAR Government also took heed of other public aspirations expressed in July 1 procession. "The Government will continue its endeavor to tackle various problems including those related to economic development, housing, poverty, ageing society and the environment," the spokesman said.

Meanwhile, the Chief Secretary Carrie Lam says the government respects the freedom of expression by Hong Kong people. She said the government would listen to the demands of the public, and refer to their views when implementing policies.

Thousands of protesters marched through torrential rain in Hong Kong on Monday on the 16th anniversary of the city's return to the mainland.

July 1 also marked the 16th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR. Carnivals were organized to celebrate the event.