Hong Kong protesters threaten to occupy government buildings

HONG KONG, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- Hong Kong's pro-democracy demonstration may soon escalate if chief executive Chun-ying Leung doesn't resign, protest leaders warned Wednesday.

The protests began Sept. 26, with a growing mass of demonstrators taking to the streets to call for elections to determine Leung's successor.

"If C.Y. Leung doesn't step down by tonight or tomorrow night, we will announce (plans) to escalate the operation" said Lester Shum, a leader of the Hong Kong Federation of Students who helped organize the protest.

"This means: to occupy different important government buildings," explained Shum.

That warning comes as China celebrates National Day, a public holiday, on Wednesday. Planned firework celebrations in Hong Kong were cancelled due to the "Umbrella Revolution" demonstration.

While the protesters say they will negotiate with the Hong Kong and Chinese government, Shum insists "we will not talk to C.Y. Leung."