Carrie Lam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive, has asked police and protesters to embrace peace.

“On the rally that happened on December the 8th, in general, it [was] peaceful and orderly,”  Lam told reporters on Tuesday, noting that the government respects people’s rights to free and peaceful assembly.

“Unfortunately, we still [saw] some people set fires, vandalize shops and block roads,” she said and condemned the arson attacks at the High Court and the Court of Final Appeal buildings in Central.

“We don’t want to see any political figures to go overseas and post groundless allegations against Hong Kong,” Lam said, urging foreign governments to stop interfering in Hong Kong’s affairs.

She noted that some politicians must bear the responsibility for the society descending into chaos and urged Hong Kong politicians to stop smearing the city’s reputation.

Answering to some questions regarding the new district council, Lam said she expects the new members to respect rules and conventions, and that the government will continue to listen to all parties who work hard and care about regional affairs.