Hong Kong leader: Government can control rising violence

Hong Kong’s leader on Tuesday said that the government can stem rising violence amid weeks of protests that have seen tensions rise. 

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, one of the officials at the center of protesters’ ire, said that the country should “prepare for reconciliation in society” and “say no to violence,” according to an official transcript of her remarks at a Tuesday media session. 

{mosads}”We want to put an end to the chaotic situation in Hong Kong through law enforcement and so on,” she said. “At the same time, we will not give up on building a platform for dialogue.”

Lam added that she does not think her government has lost control, and dismissed the possibility of her resignation. 

“Day in, day out, we are not only supporting the law enforcement bodies, we are also acting responsibly to deal with other issues that have arisen,” she said.

Lam’s comments come after clashes over the weekend in which authorities used tear gas and water cannons against protesters. The government said that some demonstrators had hurled bricks at police officers and started fires.

The government said in a Monday statement that during protests police were attacked with bricks and iron rods and that protesters hurled petrol bombs at police vehicles. An officer fired a warning shot into the air in response to attacks, the statement said. 

“The escalating illegal and violent acts of radical protesters are not only outrageous, they also push Hong Kong to the verge of a very dangerous situation,” it added. 

The demonstrations first began earlier this year in opposition to an extradition bill proposed by the Hong Kong government that was later tabled. Protesters have since demanded the bill be completely removed and have called for more police accountability. 

Reuters reported Tuesday that more protests were planned in upcoming days and weeks.