Hong Kong Urges Dialogue After Clashes

HONG KONG (AP) -- Hong Kong lawmakers from both sides of the political spectrum have urged action in response to violent scuffles between police and protesters.

Both pro-democracy legislators and ones who support China's Communist Party-led central government held news conferences Monday to address the clashes.

The demonstration Sunday in Hong Kong's Sha Tin district was peaceful for most of the day, but fights broke out when police started clearing streets after nightfall. Some protesters retreated into a shopping complex where they and police hit each other with clubs and umbrellas.

Pro-Beijing lawmaker Starry Lee said "both sides have to come out and establish communication channels."

Pro-democracy legislator Claudia Mo called the current tumult "the biggest political and governance crisis Hong Kong has ever faced."

(KA)