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Hong Kong protest leaders and government at impasse in first face-to-face meeting

At Tuesday's meeting between leaders of the Hong Kong Federation of Students and Hong Kong officials, both sides reiterated their positions regarding the pro-democracy movement with no evident progress made.

By JC Finley
Pro-democracy activists hold a massive protest on a closed thoroughfare next to the government's headquarters in downtown Hong Kong on October 10, 2014. (UPI/Stephen Shaver)
1 of 3 | Pro-democracy activists hold a massive protest on a closed thoroughfare next to the government's headquarters in downtown Hong Kong on October 10, 2014. (UPI/Stephen Shaver) | License Photo

HONG KONG, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Five students representing the pro-democracy Umbrella Movement that has occupied Hong Kong's streets since Sept. 26 met Tuesday for the first time with Hong Kong officials.

Protesters object to Beijing's plans to allow only approved candidates to run for office in Hong Kong's 2017 elections, regarding the move as a violation of China's "one country, two systems" agreement providing Hong Kong with a specified but ill-defined "high degree of autonomy."

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Planned talks between the protesters and government have been called off twice in recent weeks.

At Tuesday's meeting, which was broadcast live, both sides reiterated their positions with no evident progress made.

Hong Kong's Chief Secretary Carrie Lam acknowledged the impasse, "As far as their position is concerned I'm afraid we can only agree to disagree."

She advised the student protest leaders to "work within the system," assuring them "The voices of students have been heard by Hong Kong government, the people and even the central government."

Lester Shum, deputy of the Hong Kong Federation of Students, asked and answered at the meeting: "Why did people come out? ... People felt like they had no choice. They had to come out and make their voices heard."

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Shum urged the government officials to provide a timeline for political reform.

Lam told the student leaders that a report conveying the movement's views would be submitted to the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office.

Alex Chow, the student group's secretary general, countered with questions about the report's significance. "What concrete change will this report lead to?," he asked. "Would it help lead to adjustment or the future direction of legislative council elections?"

At the end of the meeting, Lam said she hoped the occupation would come to an end. "Relationships between people in Hong Kong are also becoming very strained. The current occupation has moved away from the initial occupation, which was inspired by love and peace."

Given the impasse, it seems likely that protests will continue.

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