Monday, October 20, 2014
"External forces" from different countries around the world are influencing the pro-democracy movement that has gripped Hong Kong for more than three weeks, Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying said.
Responding to questions from host Michael Chugani on ATV's Newsline, Leung said people and organizations from overseas have been taking part in Hong Kong politics for a long time, and the "Umbrella movement" is no different.
"This is not the only time they have done it. There are external forces, yes, from different countries in different parts of the world," he said.
"I shan't go into details but this is not entirely a domestic movement.
"I shouldn't use the word 'control.' No one can now control the movement.
"I have said that this is a political movement that has gone out of control, even for people who started it, planned it, for people who scripted it."
Chen Zuo'er, chairman of the Beijing-based think tank National Association of Study on Hong Kong and Macau, last week quoted foreign minister Wang Yi as saying the root of the unrest in Hong Kong is in the United States.
Leung refused to rule out progress in tomorrow's talks with student representatives and said he is working for a "peaceful and meaningful end to this problem."
"We want to listen to students face to face. We are hopeful we will produce something. We cannot turn something that is not unlawful in the Basic Law into a lawful exercise," he said.
"It is very important we do not put aside the Basic Law, because the Basic Law is the foundation of Hong Kong's return to China. The students have requested multiple rounds of dialogue and I don't know how long it will take."
Leung again repeated the importance of adhering to the Basic Law and the National People's Congress Standing Committee decision on electoral reform on August 31.
He denied he has ever stated his intention to run for another term in the 2017 chief executive election - but does not rule it out.
"I don't think I said I would run in 2017. No candidate would declare his candidature three years in advance of any election and it is not a thing that's on my mind," he said.
"I am not answering that question. I am not giving you an answer."
This was Leung's second public interview since the Occupy Central movement began. He spoke on TVB last week.
When he was asked about whether there would be a violent police crackdown on demonstrators, Leung said the Hong Kong government and the police force have both exercised "extreme tolerance and patience" but it is only a matter of time before the streets have to be cleared.
"We will continue to do that but both the Hong Kong government and police have a responsibility to uphold the law of Hong Kong."
"External forces" from different countries around the world are influencing the pro-democracy movement that has gripped Hong Kong for more than three weeks, Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying said.
Responding to questions from host Michael Chugani on ATV's Newsline, Leung said people and organizations from overseas have been taking part in Hong Kong politics for a long time, and the "Umbrella movement" is no different.
"This is not the only time they have done it. There are external forces, yes, from different countries in different parts of the world," he said.
"I shan't go into details but this is not entirely a domestic movement.
"I shouldn't use the word 'control.' No one can now control the movement.
"I have said that this is a political movement that has gone out of control, even for people who started it, planned it, for people who scripted it."
Chen Zuo'er, chairman of the Beijing-based think tank National Association of Study on Hong Kong and Macau, last week quoted foreign minister Wang Yi as saying the root of the unrest in Hong Kong is in the United States.
Leung refused to rule out progress in tomorrow's talks with student representatives and said he is working for a "peaceful and meaningful end to this problem."
"We want to listen to students face to face. We are hopeful we will produce something. We cannot turn something that is not unlawful in the Basic Law into a lawful exercise," he said.
"It is very important we do not put aside the Basic Law, because the Basic Law is the foundation of Hong Kong's return to China. The students have requested multiple rounds of dialogue and I don't know how long it will take."
Leung again repeated the importance of adhering to the Basic Law and the National People's Congress Standing Committee decision on electoral reform on August 31.
He denied he has ever stated his intention to run for another term in the 2017 chief executive election - but does not rule it out.
"I don't think I said I would run in 2017. No candidate would declare his candidature three years in advance of any election and it is not a thing that's on my mind," he said.
"I am not answering that question. I am not giving you an answer."
This was Leung's second public interview since the Occupy Central movement began. He spoke on TVB last week.
When he was asked about whether there would be a violent police crackdown on demonstrators, Leung said the Hong Kong government and the police force have both exercised "extreme tolerance and patience" but it is only a matter of time before the streets have to be cleared.
"We will continue to do that but both the Hong Kong government and police have a responsibility to uphold the law of Hong Kong."
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