Group of accountants condemn violence, appeal for calm over Hong Kong's prolonged unrest

HONG KONG - A group of accountants in Hong Kong on Friday collectively issued a statement condemning violence and appealing to the public for calm and dialogue to restore peace and stability after four months of unrest.

Published on the Sing Tao Daily, the statement, with a headline that reads "Resolutely Say No to Violence!", was signed by more than 500 accountants, including Franklin Lam and Nellie Fong, former members of the Executive Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), as well as Anthony Wu, former chairman of the Hospital Authority.

A series of violent and vandalism acts recently have severely jeopardized social order and the personal safety and freedom of residents in Hong Kong, leaving the vast number of residents in extreme anxiety and indignation, the statement said.

The international image and reputation that Hong Kong took many years to build has been shaken, it said, citing the cancellations of many international conferences and tourists staying away from the world-renowned destination.

Hong Kong is facing a grave challenge and all recent indicators are clearly pointing to a negative economic growth, with the medium and small enterprises hit hard, it said.

The statement appealed to peace-loving residents of different political views to calm down and engage in rational dialogue to let the HKSAR government solve problems in accordance with the law and let everyone continue to live freely in a stable and prosperous Hong Kong.

Violence with greater ferocity has been raging across Hong Kong in recent weeks, with black-clad and masked rioters attacking individuals, smashing and torching stores, banks, cafes as well as facilities inside the metro stations.