Student protesters in Hong Kong have agreed to sit down and discuss the current issue with the government. Chief Executive Leung initiated the offer to talk to the students; however he refused to accept their terms – his resignation. Protesters are unhappy with China’s plan to select the election candidates for them to vote from. The government fully supported Mr. Leung and went on calling the protests illegal. The government ceased its activity on Friday, arguing that the streets were blocked. On Friday, the protesters had significantly reduced. Many protesters promised to return, however they seemed rather uncertain. The date and hour of the discussion with the government officials was not set yet.
The Hong Kong Federation of Students believes Leung should step down from his position because he has lost his entire integrity. HKFS said they would meet with Ms. Lam but only if their conditions are met. The people behind Occupy Central said that discussions could provide a turning point for the current political state. Benny Tai, the co-founder of Occupy had visited and talked to the students and he had urged them to show more understanding. He said: “Everyone loves Hong Kong and we all hope to have a peaceful and just society, and on this journey we must show inclusivity”. The students had made threats about occupying the government building, unless Leung resigned by Thursday night. However, with a few hours before the deadline set by the protesting students, Leung warned the students that any attempt to occupy the government building will lead to serious consequences. He also stated he refused to resign: “I will not resign because I have to continue with the work for elections”.
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Chris Patten, Hong Kong’s last British governor believes the only solution to this problem is discussing openly and honestly. He stated: “Dialogue is the only sensible way forward. Hong Kong’s citizens are not irresponsible or unreasonable. A decent compromise that allows for elections that people can recognize as fair, not fixed, is surely available”. Clifford Hart, the US consul general to Hong Kong said the following:” the common desire for Hong Kong’s welfare provides an excellent basis for launching dialogue”.