Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam offered an apology Tuesday for the political crisis and unrest sparked by a proposed law that would allow extraditions to mainland China. But she did not give in to protester's demands that she leave office over her handling of the controversial bill.

Lam told reporters work on the bill was over until it expires in July next year, but she also pledged to stay and finish the remainder of her term.

"I have heard you loud and clear and have reflected deeply on all that has transpired,”  Lam said adding that she had to “personally” shoulder much of the responsibility surrounding the legislative bill.

“I would like to tender my sincere apology to Hong Kong,” she said.

Opposition to the bill has driven repeated mass protests in Hong Kong this month.  Organizers said two million people turned out Sunday. While the bill would allow for Hong Kong to extradite to a number of jurisdictions on a case by case basis where it does not have a long term agreement, the prospect of extradition to China in particular has alarmed a wide cross-section of Hong Kong society.

Source : VOA