Hong Kong’s embattled leader late Thursday rejected protesters’ demands that he resign, but in a concession agreed to talks with a students group involved in pro-democracy demonstrations that have paralysed parts of the city.
“I will not resign because I have to continue with the work for elections,” Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying told reporters at a press conference just minutes before a midnight deadline set by protesters demanding his resignation expired.
“I am now appointing the Chief Secretary to represent the Hong Kong government to meet with the representatives of Hong Kong Federation of Students to discuss constitutional development matters.”