Envoys: HK youths should appreciate being part of China

Ambassadors to China from five countries advised the young people of Hong Kong to cherish the fact that their city is part of a great country.

The ambassadors made their remarks at an event in Beijing on Monday.

Iraqi Ambassador to China Ahmad Berwari said Hong Kong youngsters should take pride in being part of China.

Echoing Berwari Omani Ambassador to China Abdullah Saleh Al Saadi told the youths in Hong Kong to be proud of a great country with a rich history and culture.

"My message to them is to be proud of their history and culture. You have a great country — China — and you've always been attached to it," he said.

Bayney Ram Karran, Guyana's ambassador to China, said there are ways for young people to voice their concerns if they find problems with the system, but such expression has to be conducted under the framework of the law. Otherwise, it will lead to the destruction of the social fabric and economy, and then everybody, including innocent people, will suffer, he said.

Karran, an ambassador for 23 years to many countries, said he had been to many conflict zones and has seen what conflicts can do to a country and society.