Embattled Hong Kong leader refuses to step down

Hong Kong's Chief Executive CY Leung said Thursday he would not resign from his post despite days of massive pro-democracy protests criticizing the Chinese government and calling for his ouster.

"I will not resign because I have to continue with the work for elections," he said shortly before protesters' appointed deadline for him to step down or face an occupation of government buildings. However, he said he would agree to talks between the government and the demonstrators to discuss "constitutional development matters."

Thousands of people have gathered outside government buildings since last weekend to protest restrictions China placed on Hong Kong's next executive election, to be held in 2017.

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