Hong Kong leader says dialogue and 'mutual respect' offer way out of chaos

Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam speaks during a news conference in Hong Kong, China, August 20, 2019. REUTERS/Ann Wang

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Tuesday she hoped a peaceful weekend anti-government protest was the start of efforts to restore calm and that talks with non-violent protesters would provide "a way out" for the Chinese-ruled city.

Hundreds of thousands of protesters rallied peacefully in torrential rain on Sunday in the eleventh week of what have been often violent demonstrations.