Talks with HK protesters could start next week

Talks with student protest leaders may be started by the Hong Kong government as early as next week to discuss political reform in the city. University heads may help mediate the discussions.

The initiative comes after an arrangement to hold talks on Oct 10 was called off by the government the day before. The administration said then that the students had shifted their demands and had called for more people to take to the streets.

On Thursday, Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying said at a news conference that he and the students will explore ways to work together within the legal framework of the Basic Law.