Hong Kong gov't urges immediate end to Occupy Central

HONG KONG - The Hong Kong government issued a statement on Thursday, urging protesters to put an end to Occupy Central protests.

The statement said Occupy Central 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.

The government and the police appeal to those who are gathering outside the Police Headquarters, Central Government Offices (CGO) and Chief Executive's Office (CEO) not to block the access there and to disperse peacefully as soon as possible.

They called on the organizers of Occupy Central and other organizations involved to stop all occupying activities immediately.

Those who participated in Occupy Central have claimed publicly that they will escalate their actions to surround government premises including the Police Headquarters, CGO and CEO.

Protesters have been gathering around these buildings and operations have already been affected, the government said.

In order to continue with its services to the general public, the CGO will need to be in operation as usual on Friday.

Some 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 affect social order and the provision of government services to the public and society.

The government hoped that the public would understand that the government has the responsibility to protect these government offices so that they can resume normal operation.