Carrie Lam criticised at first 'open dialogue'

Forming a human chain, Hong Kongers rallied near the Queen Elizabeth Stadium on Wednesday,

as the city's CEO Carrie Lam held the first of her "open dialogue" sessions

aimed at ending nearly four months of sometimes violent protests.

(SOUNDBITE)(English) PROTESTER, ALICE LEE, SAYING:

"We want to show our idea and concept to our government, let them know what is actually happening in Hong Kong. Because I think, we all think that our government did not know anything about the Hong Kong people, what we are fighting for, and what we want. So, we want to be able to express what we are thinking."

There was a major security presence - now commonplace at the demonstrations that have gripped the city for months

- as Lam met with 150 members of the community.

(SOUNDBITE)(Cantonese) HONG KONG LEADER, CARRIE LAM, SAYING: (PARTIALLY OVERLAID BY WIDE VIEW OF LAM SPEAKING ON STAGE)

"No matter how difficult it is, me and my colleagues think that it is time to start a direct dialogue because in the last three months I'm sure no matter what political stance one holds they must be feeling very sad, and worried or angry."

Each participant was also given three minutes to express their views.

With some calling for her resignation.

(SOUNDBITE)(Cantonese) UNNAMED FEMALE AUDIENCE SAYING: (OVERLAID WITH VIEWS OF LAM LISTENING)

"It is you, because you are useless at governing. Listen, you are responsible to what has happened in the protests, you must step down."

Outside, the reception was no less hostile

with this protester saying Lam should have been listening to the poeple on the streets

and tht she is only pretending to hear now.