The Buzz | European Union calls for restraint in Hong Kong

The European Union has issued a statement about the ongoing protests in Hong Kong, calling for restraint to be exercised by both the government and those opposed to its controversial extradition bill.

The statement, issued by the Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and relayed to media via the European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao, recommended that the HKSAR government conduct “an in- depth, inclusive public consultation [to] help to find a constructive way forward.”

“Over the past days, the people of Hong Kong have exercised their fundamental right to assemble and express themselves freely and peacefully. These rights need to be respected. Restraint should be exercised by all sides; violence and escalatory responses must be avoided,” the statement read.

“The European Union shares many of the concerns raised by citizens of Hong Kong regarding the Government’s proposed extradition reforms, and has conveyed these to the Government.”

China, Hong Kong and Macau usually answer recommendations or comments from external parties by calling for the country’s sovereignty over its internal affairs to be respected.