Ready To Aid Talks To End Protests: Henry Tang

Former chief secretary Henry Tang said on Friday that he is willing to be a moderator if there are talks between the Chief Executive and extradition bill protesters.

Tang, who along with some other NPC and CPPCC members were speaking to the media over the violence at recent protests, said Carrie Lam had extended an invitation for talks to students without any pre-conditions last month and he is willing to play a role to solve the crisis on one condition, that protesters reveal their identities.

“I am actually willing to throw myself into that and be a moderator ... to have a stage and invite people to come ... an open one," he said. "But I instead have a precondition. I hope people will have the courage to show their face and talk.”

He said he agrees that the the administration had a role to play in causing the city's problems. "The Hong Kong government definitely has a responsibility having initiated the amendment to the fugitive ordinance and the way they handled the situation," said Tang.

He said Lam had not shirked responsibility on this and she has publicly admitted her mistakes.

"Our people were correct to come out to voice their concern and opposition to it. All we are condemning is the illegal, unlawful violent path that we believe is wrong," he continued.

The former number two official said he has been keeping abreast of the latest situation and said there is a need to stop violence and chaos.

“It makes me feel like it’s not a Hong Kong I know,” said Tang.