Islamic world must not be indifferent to Chinese events: Turkish minister of religion

"Islamic world and world community must not be indifferent to Chinese events," Bardakoglu told Trend News over phone from Ankara on July 9.

As a result of unrest in Urumqi city of administrative center of Xinjiang-Uygur autonomous region, 156 people died on July 6. Demonstrators burned cars, removed barriers of police and destroyed buses. According to last information of law enforcement agencies, 156 people died, 816 were wounded. It was reported that three civilians and one policeman died in clashes. People protesting in Urumqi expressed anxiety concerning death of two Uygurs during clashes between employees of toy factory in Guandun province that took place recently.  

As to conflict between Uygur and Chinese living in Xinjiang-Uygur autonomous region, Turkish Prime-Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that violence against Uygurs must be ceased. Actions of protests are held in many cities and provinces of Turkey. Several NGOs call for boycotting Chinese goods.

Turkey is worried by state of Uygur Turks, minister of religion said.

"Unfortunately, we can not do anything but to watch ongoing events in China," the minister said.

Bardakoglu said that the international human rights organizations standing against racism and nationalism are indifferent to China.

"I hope that world community and Islamic world will express their attitude towards Chinese events. Stability will be restored in Xinjiang," minister of religion said.

/Trend News/