FMs of Iran, China discuss latest developments in Xinjiang on phone

The foreign ministers of Iran and China discussed the recent developments and unrest in the Chinese Xinjiang province in a telephone conversation on Sunday.

Talking to Yang jiechi, Iran's Manouchehr Mottaki expressed concerns of Muslim states and religious leaders and circles about the killings of Muslims in China.

The two agreed that the security of the Chinese Muslims must be maintained.

Stressing the need for preserving the national unity and solidarity in China too, Mottaki said providing security and peace for the Chinese Muslims was a must.

He also said that any foreign interference meant to destabilize China is unacceptable.

However, the Chinese FM referred to the present situation in China as normal.

Yang stressed that Beijing respected the rights of all religious and ethnic minorities.

He noted that China was pursuing a policy to restore tranquility to the troubled province and preserve the national unity.

The crisis began in Xinjiang on July 5 when Chinese police severely cracked down on a demonstration held by Muslims in Urumqi, capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

The Uyghurs said they were protesting against the religious discrimination they experience at the hands of the Chinese government. Over 180 people have been killed in the unrest.

There has been tension between the Muslim Uyghurs and Han Chinese in the region for decades.

A number of senior Iranian clerics, including Ayatollah Nasser Makarem Shirazi and Ayatollah Lotfollah Safi Golpaygani, have condemned the recent killings of Uyghur Muslims in China and asked the Foreign Ministry to seriously pursue the issue.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi urged the government not to remain silent in the face of the murder of Chinese Muslims.

“The appalling news about the mass murder and widespread suppression of the Muslims in Xinjiang… is deplored by all Muslims and every liberty-seeking person,” part of the statement read.


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