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The Government condemns protesters for blocking various access roads to the Central Government Offices (CGO) at Tamar, resulting in the suspension of services at the CGO today (October 3).
The Government spokesperson said, "The CGO is a very important government premises. A government in any country or territory has the obligation to ensure normal service delivery to the public. Blocking access roads to the CGO is a serious offence and will affect the staff working in the CGO.
"The Government condemns the protesters for setting up obstacles at the entrance to the second floor of the East Wing at the CGO this morning, leaving government staff unable to return to their workplace, which undermines the provision of government services to the public.
"There has been intense debate among the protesters on whether to remove the obstacles. It is estimated that about 100 government staff arrived at the CGO but could not enter the premises this morning. Some 3 000 CGO staff cannot return to their workplace as usual and have to work in accordance with the contingency plans of their respective bureaux/departments. For those staff who have gone back to the CGO, the Government advises them to leave under safe conditions. Moreover, all activities for visitors and other external activities have been postponed or cancelled.
"The Government has shown the greatest tolerance to the protesters gathering outside the CGO, but their means of expressing views have become illegal, irrational and unreasonable.
"The Government urges those who are gathering outside the CGO not to block the access there and to leave peacefully as soon as possible. They should not disturb the civil servants who are entering and leaving the government building."
Ends/Friday, October 3, 2014
Issued at HKT 15:34
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