Hong Kong Chief Executive calls for peace after clashes

Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying (R) and Chief Secretary Carrie Lam walk past a Hong Kong flag as they attend a news conference in Hong Kong, late October 2, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

HONG KONG - Hong Kong's Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying gave an urgent TV broadcast on Friday evening calling for peace after Occupy protesters clashed with anti-Occupy people in Mong Kok and Causeway Bay, Hong Kong's two major commercial areas.

Leung called on all citizens, no matter what attitude they have toward the Occupy, they have to keep calm, and not use violence or disrupt order under any situation.

"I noticed that there are many young people on the scene including many students wearing school uniforms," Leung said in Cantonese, "I appeal to them to leave immediately. I absolutely do not want to see any citizens, including young people, being injured during clashes."

Leung said he had asked the police force to do their utmost to restore order in the two areas and protect all citizen's safety. He also called on all citizens to follow police's advise and cooperate with police to evacuate.

A large number of Occupy protesters have taken over major streets in Mong Kok for at least four days, which has seriously affected businesses of local shops, restaurants and vendors.

On Friday afternoon, a handful of anti-Occupy people, who blamed huge losses to the Occupy movement, clashed with Occupy protesters in Mong Kok and Causeway Bay. Several people were injured during the clashes.