Hong Kong (CNN) -- Hong Kong's leader made it clear on Thursday the pro-democracy protests which have clogged main thoroughfares in the city for almost three weeks cannot continue. C.Y. Leung told a live press conference on local television that the government was eager to resume talks with the main student group -- the Hong Kong Federation of Students -- as early as next week. However, he said city's tolerance of mass sit-ins was limited, and that some members of the public were "very discontent." "We do not want to see anyone, including students, continuing to occupy the roads for a long time and creating conflict with the public who are disgruntled. We don't want to see clashes," he said.
NEW: Hong Kong's leader CY Leung says government open to talks . Tells press conference that tolerance of mass occupation was limited . He said police had shown tolerance and restraint, despite accusations of excessive force . Asia's richest man urges protesters to go home .