(MENAFN- QNA) Conflicting visions of how to bring about change marked the first meeting of pro-democracy protesters and Hong Kong government representatives Tuesday.
While Chief Secretary Carrie Lam, Hong Kong's second in command, called on the protesters, led by the Hong Kong Federation of Students, to work within the system, student leaders said they had no choice but to work outside it, according to the (BBC).
"We should work within the system and enhance the transparency and competitiveness of the system as a whole," Lam said. "This is a good opportunity and a meaningful dialogue. I hope the community will stay united."
After more than three weeks of chaotic pro-democracy demonstrations, Alex Chow, one of the student leaders, called for a timetable for political reform.
"Why did people come out" he asked. "People felt like they had no choice. They had to come out and make their voices heard."
Lam assured the student leaders that they were listening.
"The voices of students have been heard by Hong Kong government, the people and even the central government," she said. "But no matter how lofty the sentiments, you must take legal means."
Lam said the Hong Kong government would convey the views of the Occupy movement to Beijing by submitting a report to the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office reflecting the events in the city since August 31.
In her closing comments, Lam said a step-by-step approach could help Hong Kong move toward universal suffrage in elections slated for 2017 and 2020.
She said she hoped the occupation of parts of the city would end soon, adding that "Hong Kong has been torn apart" by the protests.
"Relationships between people in Hong Kong are also becoming very strained. The current occupation has moved away from the initial occupation, which was inspired by love and peace," she said.
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