Hong Kong leader says hopes talks with students can take place next week

Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying speaks during the welcome home reception for the Hong Kong, China Delegation to the Incheon 2014 17th Asian Games, in Hong Kong October 15, 2014. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

HONG KONG (Reuters) - 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 paralysed 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. (Reporting by James Pomfret; Writing by Farah Master; Editing by Nick Macfie)