Rep appointed to speak to protesters in Hong Kong

It’s been seven days of protesting by pro-democracy advocates in Hong Kong who are asking for the city’s leader to step down. The ultimatum expired this evening. And while he’s refusing to listen to the protesters’ demands, he is offering something else instead.

Hong Kong’s leader Leung Chun-Ying says he will not resign, but he is appointing a representative to talk with student protesters.

Earlier today, the Hong Kong Federation of Students issued an open letter asking for a meeting with the chief secretary representing the Hong Kong government in order to discuss political reforms and the constitutional development of Hong Kong. The chief executive says this will happen soon, but gave no specific time line. He also cautioned protestors and repeated police warnings that the consequences would be serious if they tried to surround or occupy government buildings.

Leung Chun-Ying, Hong Kong chief executive: “I appeal, and I have been appealing to protesters that we should all follow the basic law which was promulgated 27 years ago. We should work within the framework of the decision of the National People’s Congress. Only do we follow the provisions of basic law and the decision of NPCSC can we have universal suffrage in 2017.”

There were thousands of student protesters outside of Leung’s office visibly disappointed after this announcement, but they say they will continue to demonstrate in a non-violent way, and will not give up their demands for full democracy — including a free voting system when they choose a new leader in 2017.