HK leader warns protesters not to push city into 'abyss'

International Desk: Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has warned anti-government protesters not to push the city into an "abyss", in an emotional press conference on Tuesday.

Ms Lam warned that Hong Kong had "reached [a] dangerous situation" and that violence during protests would push it "down a path of no return".

She was met with hostility as she dodged questions by reporters, who repeatedly shouted and cut her off.

Mass unrest has rocked the city for 10 weeks and shows no signs of abating.

The protests began in response to a proposed extradition bill, which has now been suspended.

They have evolved into a more demanding pro-democracy movement, fuelled by fear that the freedoms Hong Kong enjoys as a special administrative region of China are being eroded.

"The situation in Hong Kong in the past week has made me very worried that we have reached [a] dangerous situation," said Ms Lam.

Her comments came a day after protesters occupied the city's international airport, forcing hundreds of flights to be cancelled.

Authorities said on Tuesday that operations have resumed, but warned flights would still be affected.

Flagship carrier Cathay Pacific said it had cancelled more than 200 inbound and outbound flights, and would run only a limited number for connecting passengers.

Hong Kong's Airport Authority added that there were "calls online" for a public assembly in the airport on Tuesday afternoon.

Ms Lam appeared close to tears at her Tuesday press conference as she called on Hong Kongers to put aside their differences.

Source: BBC

 

risingbd/Aug 13, 2019/Mukul