Leung Chun-ying, Hong Kong's chief executive.
Brent Lewin | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Hong Kong leader Leung Chun-ying said on Thursday that he hopes the government can hold talks with students calling for democracy for the Chinese-controlled city as early as next week.
He was speaking after more than two weeks of protests that have paralyzed parts of the city. The protesters are demanding free elections in 2017 and calling for Leung to step down, but Beijing insists on screening candidates first.
Chief Secretary Carrie Lam cancelled talks with student leaders earlier this month, saying it was impossible to have constructive dialogue.