OCT. 2, 2014
Demonstrators Face Dilemma as Beijing Holds FirmCreditDale De La Rey/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
HONG KONG — As a large crowd of demonstrators massed outside his offices Thursday night, Hong Kong’s embattled chief executive declared that he would not resign but said his government was willing to meet with student protesters to discuss their demands for democratic reform.
But the chief executive, Leung Chun-ying, who was anointed by Beijing to lead Hong Kong two years ago, said the talks would have to be in accordance with an earlier ruling by the Chinese leadership limiting the scope of political change here — a ruling that has been a target of the mass protests that have shaken this former British colony for nearly a week.
“I will not resign because I have to continue my work on universal suffrage,” Mr. Leung said, referring to a proposal to allow residents of Hong Kong to elect his successor from among a limited number of candidates approved by Beijing.
Mr. Leung’s remarks at a late-night news conference were unlikely to satisfy the protesters, who had demanded that he resign by midnight, and came after hours of rising tensions outside his office. Earlier in the day, the crowds were angered when they saw the police carrying containers of rubber bullets, tear gas and other riot control gear into the complex, and the authorities warned of “serious consequences” if demonstrators tried to enter and occupy it.
Hong Kong residents reflect on the recent days of protests. Video by Jonah M. Kessel on Publish Date October 2, 2014.
“Police, calm down! Police, calm down!” thousands of demonstrators chanted outside the gates of Mr. Leung’s offices, where dozens of police officers stood guard behind metal barriers. Organizers called on protesters to converge on the buildings after officers were seen bringing in the riot control equipment, and warned that the police could be preparing to clear the area to allow the government to reopen Friday after a two-day holiday.
Some student leaders have called on protesters to surround and occupy government buildings if Mr. Leung does not step down. But Hui Chun-tak, the chief spokesman for the Hong Kong police, said any attempt to do so would not be tolerated. The police later issued a statement warning protesters not to charge police lines, saying officers would take “resolute enforcement actions.”
Several protesters at the scene said they would not storm the buildings but did not intend to allow Mr. Leung to enter his office on Friday morning.
