Unacceptable action: Chief Executive Donald Tsang says protesters who clashed with Police outside the Legislative Council Building at the weekend violated Hong Kong's core values.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang says the actions of protesters who clashed with Police outside the Legislative Council Building at the weekend were unacceptable.

Speaking to reporters this afternoon Mr Tsang asked demonstrators to reflect on the incident, adding their behaviour was contrary to the city's core values, public interest and the rule of law. He said actions damaging social order hinder the expression of views in a peaceful and sensible manner.

Commending the Police's professionalism in handling the incident, Mr Tsang said he is confident the force can deal with disruptive actions properly in accordance with the law.

Responsible government

He said it is understandable there are diverging views on major infrastructure projects within the community, adding such social contradictions sometimes cannot be fully resolved through public consultation. The Government has the responsibility to make a decision after taking different sectors' views into consideration.

"There is always room for improvement in the Government's policy. We will continue to learn with a view to doing a better job."

Urging the community to stand united to promote the city's long-term and sustainable development, Mr Tsang said the Government will join lawmakers and the public to ensure public money is properly spent in the rail project.

Social stability

Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee condemned the protesters' actions, saying those who tried to barge through police barriers seriously violated law and order as well as social stability.

Officers showed restraint, using minimal force to control the situation with pepper spray, he said.

Noting the Government respects people exercising their protest rights, Mr Lee said they must also abide by the law when doing so. The Police, he added, have the will and capability to maintain order and will act strictly in accordance with the law.

Safety concern

Secretary for Housing & Transport Eva Cheng said she did not meet the protesters as Police advised her appearance might lead to more problems and confusion.

"The primary consideration is safety, not my own personal safety, but more importantly, the safety of the protesters as well as the Police," Ms Cheng said.

As the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link project has now obtained all necessary approvals, Ms Cheng said it is important to move on to the next stage of its implementation.