-Imperial College Public Awareness and Social Service - TopicsExpress



          

-Imperial College Public Awareness and Social Service Society -Kings College London Public Awareness and Social Service Society -London School of Economics Students Union Hong Kong Public Affairs and Social Service Society -University College London Union Pubic Affairs and Social Service Society Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this statement are those of the four aforementioned societies and do not necessarily reflect the official position of their respective universities. --- In late August 2014, the National People’s Congress announced plans to grant Hong Kong direct elections in 2017, provided that the candidates receive support from over half of the nominating committee, which many suspect will be dominated by Beijing loyalists. This prompted a widespread school boycott by university and secondary school students, which eventually spiralled into the commencement of Occupy Central, a civil disobedience movement seeking to convoke further negotiations. The PASS Societies from Imperial College London, King’s College London, the London School of Economics and Political Science, and University College London reaffirm the protesters’ right to freedoms of speech and assembly, and applaud their dedication to furthering democratic progress in Hong Kong with peaceful and non-violent intentions. We acknowledge isolated cases of confrontational and distasteful behaviour on the protesters’ part and recognise the role of the Hong Kong Police in maintaining social order. Nevertheless, we are appalled by and deplore the disproportionate, indiscriminate and unwarranted force employed against unarmed civilians who have, in general, exhibited remarkable civility that has merited worldwide recognition. We strongly condemn violence of any form that is perpetrated in any circumstance. We believe that conflict resolution is twofold: we urge the Hong Kong Government to actively reconvene negotiations, and the protesters to safeguard the integrity of their movement and create an organised, representative negotiation strategy to achieve a lasting compromise for political reform. Here in London, we implore our friends and family around the world to respond in kind, for there truly is no better time to speak out for peace, reconciliation, and a liberal and prosperous Hong Kong. London 4U PASS Executive Committees 30 September 2014
Posted on: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 01:34:03 +0000

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