Former Hong Kong leader calls for end of democracy protests
HONG KONG: Hong Kongs former leader Friday urged democracy demonstrators to leave the streets calling their protest a gross violation as he warned the consequences of continuing the rallies beyond a month were very serious.
Tung Chee-hwa, Hong Kongs first chief executive after the 1997 handover who was himself ousted after huge protests, said the movement needed to be brought peacefully to an end.
We need to end this occupation because not only is it hurting livelihood of people but its a gross violation of the law, Tung told reporters during his first public comments since the protests began nearly four weeks ago.
One month is a long time already and the consequences of prolonging this occupation is very, very serious, he said of the movements impact on the citys economy.
Parts of the city have been paralysed by 27 days of rock blocks and mass rallies calling on Beijing to rescind its insistence that Hong Kongs next leader be vetted by a loyalist committee ahead of the 2017 elections.
Tung also lent his support to the citys embattled leader Leung Chun-ying.
What he is looking for is a peaceful ending to the occupation, he is very calm and rational in dealing with this issue, he said.
During this time where there are many risks, I feel he has performed very well and has also gained the trust of the Chinese government.
Tung had his own share of troubles in handling pro-democracy protests when 500,000 people took part in a rally against a proposed national security bill in 2003, forcing his administration to shelve it.
It was a key factor in his resignation eighteen months later.
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Former Hong Kong leader calls for end of democracy protests