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The Latest: Hong Kong leader Lam apologizes but won't resign

HONG KONG (AP) - The Latest on protests in Hong Kong (all times local):

4:15 p.m.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has apologized for an extradition bill that set off massive protests and indicated it is unlikely to be revived.

She also said at a news conference on Tuesday that she intends to finish her term as the city's chief executive, suggesting she will not heed calls for her to step down.

Lam has been the focus of criticism from many in Hong Kong for having sought to push through the legislation, which would allow some suspects to be sent to mainland China for trial.

She said she wants a chance to "do better."

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3 p.m.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam plans a news conference Tuesday afternoon following massive protests against an extradition bill and calls for her to resign.

Lam has become the focus of derision by many in Hong Kong for having sought to push through the legislation, which would allow some suspects to be sent to mainland China for trial.

Lam said previously the legislation would be suspended, but protesters are demanding that it be scrapped altogether.

An estimated 2 million people marched against Lam and the legislation on Sunday. Government headquarters reopened Tuesday as the number of protesters dwindled to a few dozen.

The announcement of her 4 p.m. briefing did not say if Lam would answer questions from the media.

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9:30 a.m.

Hong Kong's government headquarters has reopened as the number of protesters gathered outside dwindled to a few dozen.

The demonstrations persisted into early Tuesday but by midmorning most of the protesters had gone home.

A routine meeting of the Executive Council was called off. Chief Executive Carrie Lam suspended work on the extradition bill that ignited the protests but still faces calls to resign for having sought to push through the legislation, which would allow some suspects to be tried in mainland Chinese courts.

Late Monday, Hong Kong's police commissioner, Stephen Lo Wai-chung, held a news conference where he sought to defuse anger over aggressive police tactics during protests last week. He said only five of 15 people arrested during the clashes were charged with rioting,

A security guard removes a poster which left by protesters outside the Legislative Council in Hong Kong, Tuesday, June 18, 2019. Hong Kong's government headquarters reopened Tuesday as the number of protesters outside dwindled to a few dozen and life returned to normal in the former British colony. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu) The Associated Press
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