Civil servants return to work in Hong Kong

The streets of Hong Kong cleared enough on Monday for businesses, schools and civil service to resume. Bureaucrats were able to pass unimpeded through some barriers at the main government offices of the city's leader, Leung Chun-ying, which have been the focal point of the protests over the past eight days that brought tens of thousands of people out into the streets.

Although the numbers dwindled into Monday, protesters said they would return in greater numbers later into the day to resume their demonstrations for free elections in the city. The numbers participating in the rallies has fluctuated all week, with many people leaving overnight and returning later.

Further demonstrations likely

The government had said it would do whatever was necessary to clear barricades blocking the city government headquarters by Monday.

Across Victoria Harbor protesters also pulled back in the Mong Kok residential neighborhood, where clashes had broken out with government supporters, prompting a police intervention with pepper spray and batons.

The partial withdrawal appeared to be part of a strategy to regroup in another part of town. Many protesters were urged to make their way towards the city's Admiralty shopping and business district, near the government headquarters.

Although there was concern among some protesters that the government would forcefully clear the streets if their ultimatum was not followed, authorities seemed to be settling for a partial victory on Monday.

Demands for reform

Protesters are demanding that Hong Kong be allowed to freely elect the city's next leader in 2017. The Chinese government has said only pre-approved candidates will be able stand for election.

Student demonstrators have begun taking initial steps to negotiate with the government about their demands for broader political reform in Hong Kong. Discussions started among the students to prepare for talks with Chief Secretary Carrie Lam. However, progress has been slow; actual negotiations have not yet started and disagreements remain.

"It is clear there is still discrepancy between the expectations from both parties towards the dialogue," Lester Shum, vice secretary of the Hong Kong Federation of Students, told reporters late Sunday, adding that if the government forcefully cleared the protests, "there will be no way for dialogue."

dr/av (AP, AFP, Reuters, dpa)