(VOVworld) – The Xinhua news agency reports that Hong Kong's Chief Executive CY Leung said Thursday that he will not resign and has appointed Chief Secretary Carrie Lam to represent Hongn Kong’s government in talks with student protesters.

Protesters have been on the streets in large numbers (Photo: bbc.com)

Leung made the statement at a news conference co-chaired by Madam Lam shortly before the protesters' midnight deadline for his resignation. Leung said he will not step down and will continue working on election reforms. Leung insisted that the Hong Kong government and police force have been patient over the past few days.

Police have thrown a cordon around government buildings (Photo: bbc.com)

Earlier, the Hong Kong Federation of Students sent an open letter requesting a meeting with Chief Secretary Lam. Leung said the government has studied the letter in detail and Ms. Lam wants to meet with the student protesters as soon as possible.