Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Carrie Lam today said, a divisive bill that wouldallow extraditions to China has been suspended. It is a major climbdown fromher government after a week of unprecedented protests. She told reporters thatthe government has decided to suspend the legislative amendment exercise.

Ms Lam said, the Legislative Council will halt its work in relation to the billuntil their working communication explanation and listening to opinions iscompleted and they have no intention to set a deadline for this work.

The standoff between police and protesters in the former British colony is HongKong’s most severe political crisis since the Communist Party-ruled mainlandtook control in 1997 with a promise not to interfere with the city’s civilliberties and courts.

Ms Lam, chosen by Beijing to be the highest-level local official, is caughtbetween her Communist Party leaders and a public anxious to protect theliberties they enjoy as a former British colony.