Lack of second dialogue leaves protesters at risk, says Occupy co-founder Chu Yiu-ming
Protest movement's co-founder Reverend Chu Yiu-ming rues lost opportunity for more talks with government, and fears for safety of young protesters
It is a pity that the second round of dialogue between the sit-in organisers and the Hong Kong government did not happen, leading the "umbrella movement" into a directionless stalemate, says Occupy Central co-founder the Reverend Chu Yiu-ming.
Chu's remarks came as the pro-democracy protests entered their eighth week, and with police plans to clear parts of the occupied sites having been approved by judges.
In ruling out further talks, Chief Secretary Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor blamed student leaders for failing to demonstrate the same sincerity the government had shown.
The veteran pastor had taken a leading role in fostering the dialogue between student leaders and government officials over reform last month by liaising with middle men - contacts that he had developed over years of community service.
"Opening the doors for dialogue might not solve the problems, but at least that could protect the safety of protesters, let the crowd know there's incremental progress and proceed towards solutions," Chu said in an interview on Friday.
"But unfortunately, it did not happen again."