Hong Kong chief executive urges protest stoppage

Hong Kong Chief Executive C.Y. Leung Tuesday urged the people to end the on-going protest over the issue of Hong Kong's constitutional development.

Protests have been taking place in various parts of Hong Kong, occupying some of the main roads, Xinhua reported.

The protestors called for withdrawal of the decision on Hong Kong's constitutional development made Aug 31 by the National People's Congress Standing Committee.

Speaking ahead of the Executive Council meeting, Leung said: "The movement has been affecting people's daily lives."

"Some major roads were blocked by the protestors and that has disrupted emergency fire and ambulance services over the past few days," he said.

Leung expected the protest to last for quite a long time, which will impact the city's economic development and its international reputation.

He reiterated that the government respected the people's rights to express their views, and hoped that they would also respect the rights of road users.