HONG KONG - In the final hours leading up to the midnight deadline imposed by pro-democracy advocates, Chief Executive Leung Chun Ying said he would not resign but offered to hold open dialogues between the government and protesters.

Speaking at a press conference in Government House late Thursday, Leung said he would not resign because he needed to continue to work for Hong Kong's universal suffrage when the region votes for its leader in 2017.

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He noted an open letter from the Hong Kong Federation of Students asking for a dialogue with a government representative to discuss the region's constitutional development.

The chief executive said the letter was reviewed in detail after which he has decided to appoint Chief Secretary Carrie Lam as representative to discuss Hong Kong's electoral reforms.

While student protest leaders have expressed interest in engaging in open dialogue with the government, they are insistent that Leung step down from his post, claiming that he lost his integrity.

Pro-democracy organization Occupy Central with Love has also expressed hope that talks could pave the way for a resolution of the current political impasse, but also called for Leung's resignation and blamed him for the impasse.

Nevertheless, the government's willingness to discuss pro-democracy concerns has diffused tensions.

Although the protesters remain on Hong Kong's streets, the tensions leading up to the deadline have gone. The attention is now focused on negotiations between pro-democracy student leaders and Lam.

Thousands of citizens took to the streets on Sept. 28 to signify their outrage over China's decision to screen candidates for the 2017 elections.

Leung implored protesters surrounding two government buildings to refrain from occupying them and warned against consequences should they attempt to do so.

The Hong Kong government and police have shown enduring patience in the recent days, he added, hoping that the people would continue to pursue constitutional reform in a peaceful and rational manner.

TagsHong Kong, occupy central, Carrie Lam, Politics of Hong Kong, Democratic development in Hong Kong