The government called off Friday's talks with Hong Kong's pro-democracy student leaders after they refused to end the Occupy Central movement ahead of the meeting.
We need YOU in Admiralty NOW! #umbrellamovement #occupyhk
Hong Kong Chief Secretary Carrie Lam said the talks were on hold because it was unacceptable to have the "illegal" Occupy movement linked to tomorrow's dialogue.
Ch Secy Carrie Lam says meeting with @HKFS1958 tomorrow is cancelled; recent statements undermined basis for talks
For the dialogue to be constructive, Lam said, student leaders would have to respect Basic Law within the framework of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee. She also said the dialogue should not be linked to the "illegal" Occupy movement.
2 points for constructive basis for talks: 1. Respect basic law & NPCSC decision 2. Detach the illegal movement with results from talks
However, protest leaders called for a show of strength from Occupy Central members to put pressure on the government ahead of Friday's talks.
Students, Occupy Trio, & democrats to announce a "new wave of civil disobedience" in 3 hours, ahead of tomorrow's talks with government.
Lam then called off talks, saying protesters' actions had "shaken trust" and that talks would not be constructive right now.
Chief Secretary Carrie Lam of Hong Kong cancels talks tomorrow with protesters, says protesters' statements today have "shaken trust"
Gov: if HKFS doesnt accept the two principles then no constructive points in meeting #occupyhk
Student leaders Alex Chow and Lester Shum responded to the government's decision to cancel negotiations, saying: "We really regret that talks have fallen through."
"We really regret that talks have fallen through...we've given blood, sweat and imprisonment" #OccupyHK #URHK
Chow blamed the government for firing "87 rounds of tear gas on their people."
"We are still occupying today because on Sep 28, the government fired 87 rounds of tear gas on their people #OccupyHK
He said the government had shown no sincerity in responding to their demands.
Alex Chow: From the day we stopped classes, it has already been 18 days. After all we have been through, Govt has shown no sincerity.
"The government said they disagree w/ our demands. Is Hong Kong a place where you can't even have demands?" #OccupyHK
Chow said the event has become a "laughing stock" for the international community.
Alex Chow: This whole event is a laughing stock for the intl community.
The student leaders said they are still open to talks with the government. But they also called on people to continue the occupation and pressure the government.
"We are still open to talk anytime. For now, we call on people to continue the occupation put pressure on gov't"