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The Government issued the following statement today (October 2):
The "Occupy Central" movement has taken up various districts on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon for five consecutive days, causing increasingly serious impacts on people's livelihood, Hong Kong's economy and even government operations.
Those who participated in "Occupy Central" have claimed publicly that they will escalate their actions to surround government premises including the Police Headquarters, Central Government Offices (CGO) and Chief Executive's Office (CEO). Protesters have been gathering around these buildings and operations have already been affected.
In order to continue with its services to the general public, the CGO will need to be in operation as usual tomorrow. About 3 000 government officials will try their very best to return to work.
If the siege continues and worsens, the access, normal operation and security of the above government offices will be seriously affected. This will eventually affect social order and the provision of government services to the public and society. The Government hopes that the public will understand that the Government has the responsibility to protect these government offices so that they can resume normal operation.
The Government and the Police appeal to those who are gathering outside the Police Headquarters, CGO and CEO not to block the access there and to disperse peacefully as soon as possible. They called on the organisers of "Occupy Central" and other organisations involved to stop all occupying activities immediately.
Ends/Thursday, October 2, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:36
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