Protesters march, demand full democracy

HONG KONG (AP) -- Pressure mounted for Hong Kong and Beijing leaders to respond to calls for full democracy in this Chinese territory as tens of thousands of protesters marched Sunday, demanding the right to choose their leaders.
Outside the government's headquarters, protesters demanded Hong Kong leader Donald Tsang respond immediately to calls for a road map specifying when and how the territory can have universal suffrage, promised as an eventual goal under its mini-constitution.
"I can't think of anywhere else in the world that you can have such large number of people turning out in such a peaceful manner to ask for something which is of their own right," said Ronny Tong, a lawmaker and march organizer.
Organizers said the protest drew 250,000 people -- far exceeding analysts' forecast of between 50,000 and 100,000. Police put the turnout at 63,000.
Copyright 2005 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.