As the dawn broke there was no indication that police or security forces were looking to disperse the crowd of protesters in Hong Kong, as the demonstrations run into their second week. Photo: Getty Images
Angus Grigg Hong Kong
The Hong Kong government has failed to enforce its ultimatum to clear the streets for the start of the business week on Monday, as thousands of pro-democracy protesters continue to block major roads into the city centre.
As the dawn broke there was no indication that police or security forces were looking to disperse the crowds, as the demonstrations run into their second week.
Tensions were high overnight as groups of protests prepared for what many believed would be a major confrontation with police.
'Tonight [Sunday] is such a critical night for the protesters so I wanted to come out and support them,' said Stephen Li, a 29-year-old garment trader.
'I think we might see a final show-down.'
But it didn't come to that, as student leaders held informal talks with government representatives.
They are aiming to set the ground rules for negotiations with the government over the structure of elections scheduled for 2017.
The students and other protesters want to broaden the nomination process for the ballot beyond candidates loyal to Beijing.
The stalemate overnight came despite Hong Kong chief executive CY Leung delivering an ultimatum for the protesters to leave by Monday morning.
He said the situation was getting 'beyond control' and would likely have serious consequence for public safety and social order.
'The government and the police have the duty and determination to take all necessary actions to restore social order so that the government and some seven million people of Hong Kong can return to their normal work and life,' Mr Leung said on Saturday night.
He said the 'most pressing task' was to allow some 3,000 civil servant to return to their offices in the city centre on Monday - a demand which the protesters look to have allowed.
In addition Mr Leung said there should be 'no more blocking' of roads in Wan Chai, Central and in Kowloon. The protesters ignored this demand and so far police have not looked to enforce it.
The government's ultimatum follows a weekend of violence on the streets of Hong Kong, where pro-Beijing groups repeatedly clashed with those demonstrating for greater democracy.
The pro-Democracy camp has accused the police of co-operating with gangsters, who initiated clashed with the protesters.
Police said several suspected triad members were among 19 people arrested after Friday's clashes, but the city's security chief denied allegations that the government had called on hired criminals.
'These accusations are made up and are very excessive,' Secretary for Security Lai Tung-kwok told reporters.
Further clashes happened early on Sunday morning in the working class district of Mong Kok in Kowloon, where pro-democracy protesters surrounded police and accused them of co-operating with the gangsters.
Police responded by using pepper spray against the protesters for the first time in a week.
Over the weekend journalist covering the protests were also targeted by groups loyal to Beijing and there were reports that a number of women were sexually assaulted.
This latest unrest began on August 31 when Beijing outlined its plans for elections in 2017. The Chinese Government said all eligible Hong Kong residents would have the right to vote, but Beijing would determine which names appeared on the ballot paper.
The protests moved up a level when students and other activists began occupying streets on September 28 and have remained in place ever since.
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