Hong Kong leader Tung Chee-hwa resigns

HONG KONG - Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa, whose unpopular leadership sparked huge pro-democracy demonstrations, confirmed on Thursday that he has resigned, ending more than a week of speculation.

"Fellow citizens, dear friends, an hour ago I tendered my resignation as chief executive of the Hong Kong special administrative region to the central government," Tung told a news conference.

Tung, Hong Kong's first post-colonial leader after the end of British rule in 1997, said he was stepping down, reportedly due to health reasons.

But many people in the city believe he was sacked by his bosses in Beijing, fuelling fears that China is increasingly interfering in the city's affairs.

- REUTERS