Jasper Tsang says the Hong Kong government and the authorities in Beijing will never cave to the protesters' demands. Photo: i-Cable
Legco chief: Protest may end up being dispersed by force
Legislative Council President Jasper Tsang said force may be used to ultimately end the occupation of Hong Kong streets by democracy protesters.
In an interview with i-Cable News Wednesday, Tsang said the Hong Kong government and the authorities in Beijing will never cave to the protesters’ demands, the latest of which is a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.
On Tuesday, the Hong Kong Federation of Students issued an open letter to Chief Secretary Carrie Lam, saying the government should put it through to the central government if it cannot resolve the political standoff.
Tsang said the protest leaders have set “unreasonable conditions” and all but shut the door to further dialogue with the government.
A meeting last week between student representatives and a government panel ended with accusations the officials had been vague and evasive.
“If I were the central government, I’d question the point of meeting the students if they’re going to say the same things,” Tsang said.
He said the protest might be forcibly dispersed after 80 or 90 percent of the protesters have left.
“If there are many people continuously occupying the streets and if clashes erupt, the police will be forced to intervene. The consequences could be serious,” he said.
Tsang said he has seen no sign of “external forces” in the movement.
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