HONG KONG - The Hong Kong Special Adminitsrative Region (HKSAR) government on Sunday urged the public to understand the constitutional order under the "one country, two systems" for pursuing political reforms and condemns invitations for foreign intervention after more than thousands of protesters gathered to demand "universal suffrage", otherwise "sanctions" on the SAR by the foreign governments. 

The government iterated its position as hundreds of violent radicals gathered at Chater Garden in  Central on Sunday afternoon, blocking roads and assaulting police officers

At the same time, it also condemned invitations for foreign intervention after hundreds of protesters gathered in Central on Sunday afternoon to demand "universal suffrage" and sought imposition of "sanctions" on the SAR by foreign governments. 

Hong Kong society must clearly understand that the city’s chief executive is not only responsible to the SAR, but also needs to be appointed by the central government and is answerable to it, a spokesperson for the Hong Kong government said Sunday. 

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It is an undeniable constitutional order under the principle of “one country, two systems”, the spokesperson said. All political reform, including election of the SAR's chief executive through universal suffrage, should be in line with the constitutional order, the spokesperson said.

The government iterated its position as hundreds of violent radicals gathered at Chater Garden in Central on Sunday afternoon, blocking roads and assaulting police officers. The protesters had gathered for a demonstration but later spilled onto the streets in violation of police orders.

The government spokesman deeply regreted the demand of some protesters for foreign “sanctions” on their own city. 

The government reiterates that no foreign country should interfere in the internal affairs of the HKSAR in any form, the spokesperson said.

The Hong Kong community needs to reach a consensus premised on these principles and resolve differences through dialogue with a legal basis in a peaceful manner, the spokesman said. Failing which, he said, it will be difficult to have constructive discussions on constitutional development.

The Hong Kong government also pledged to promote a social climate conducive to political reform  as well as constitutional development in accordance with the Basic Law and with relevant decisions of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.

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In light of violence, around 4:30 pm, police intervened promptly when the rally turned into an impromptu march and requested the organizer to bring it to an end.

Some protesters set up barricades at streets and threw bricks onto roads. They also defaced the facades of nearby buildings.

At least two Police Community Relations officers were attacked by radicals wielding sticks and other weapons when they approached the organizers of the rally to discuss the situation.

Police urged radicals to stop their illegal acts and pledged to strictly enforce the law and bring attackers to justice.