Hong Kong Leader Apologizes Again, Ruling Out Resignation

In a bid to calm down million of protesters, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has apologized once again for an extradition bill allowing hand over of criminals to Chinese authorities.

Lam, who affirmed that she is not intending to resign, said the bill is unlikely to be revived.

"In recognition of the anxiety and fears caused by the bill in the last few months, if we don't have confidence from the people we will not proceed with the legislative exercise again," Lam said.

"I will not proceed with this legislative exercise if these fears and anxieties could not be adequately addressed," she said.

During news conference this morning, Lam pointed out that she intends to finish her term as the city's chief executive, adding that she wants a chance to "do better."

Since last week, opposition to the bill drew millions of protesters to the streets calling to abandon the bill which indicates, according to them, an increase in the Chinese influence upon the politics of the territory, due to return under the Chinese sovereignty by 2047.

Earlier, Lam defended the proposed bill as necessary for protecting the reputation of the territory not to be looked at as a safe heaven for criminals. She also said that the legislation is needed to uphold justice. It would expand the scope of criminal suspect transfers to include Taiwan, Macau and mainland China.

The massive demonstrations revive memories of the 2014 political movement which called for more political rights and freedom including direct elections of the city's chief executive, who is chosen by a pro-Beijing committee. Back then, protesters stayed in the streets for two months.