Hong Kong student protesters agree to government talks

[HONG KONG] Student leaders whose pro-democracy protests have gripped Hong Kong agreed Friday to meet the government to discuss their demands, but vowed to continue occupying the streets until their goal of universal suffrage is achieved.

"The Hong Kong Federation of Students (HKFS) is going to have a public meeting with the Chief Secretary for Administration Ms Carrie Lam," the group said in a statement after Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying extended the offer ahead of a Thursday midnight deadline to stand down.

However, the group said Leung's resignation was "a matter of time", blasting his decision to allow police to use tear gas on peaceful demonstrators in tumultuous scenes earlier in the week.

"CY Leung has already lost all his integrity and betrayed people's trust in him. Not only has he denied the people of a genuine political reform, but also ordered a violent crackdown on peaceful protesters with tear gas. His resignation is only a matter of time," HKFS said.

"Hong Kong people shall continue (their) occupying movement until genuine universal suffrage comes to light." The HKFS is one of several groups driving the protest movement dubbed the "Umbrella Revolution" after brollies were used by demonstrators to shield against sun, rain and tear gas, with other groups including Occupy Central and Scholarism. - AFP