Hong Kong to launch second debate on how it will choose its leader

Hong Kong leaders are launching an important second consultation on how the semi-autonomous city will choose its top leader in 2017.[caption id="attachment_1743229" align="alignleft" width="380"] Pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. AP[/caption]Chief Secretary Carrie Lam is scheduled to launch the weekslong consultation by addressing the territory's Legislative Council on Wednesday. She will likely be grilled by legislators who accuse Hong Kong's government of breaking promises to let the city choose its chief executive through universal suffrage.The government said Tuesday in a report that it remained committed to a plan requiring candidates be picked by a committee believed to be biased toward Beijing.Thousands of pro-democracy protesters blocked streets in Hong Kong for more than two months over the fall demanding open nominations for chief executive.The council must approve an election plan to be submitted to central Chinese authorities.AP