Hong Kong protesters say one down, four to go on demands as extradition bill is officially withdrawn

HONG KONG — After 13 weeks of protest and political crisis, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Carrie Lam finally uttered the word protesters had been demanding all summer: “Withdraw.”
In a surprise turnaround from previous statements, Lam announced a formal withdrawal of a controversial extradition bill that sparked massive demonstrations. She made the announcement in a pre-recorded television broadcast just before 6 p.m. Wednesday.

“The government will fully withdraw the bill in order to fully allay public concerns,” she said.

Lam also said she would add two members to an appointed council investigating police actions, to start “direct dialogue” with Hong Kong society, and invite academics, professionals and community leaders to study social issues and make recommendations to the government.