Hong Kong Leader Willing to Meet With Student Protesters

Hong Kong's leader tried to soothe tensions with student-led democracy protesters Thursday by reviving an offer of talks, though public anger over a video of police kicking a handcuffed activist complicates efforts to end an increasingly bitter political standoff.

Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying said the government is ready to start a dialogue with protest leaders as soon as next week.

There was no immediate response from the student leaders, and it was unclear whether the proposed meeting can overcome the vast differences between the two sides.