Representitives of Xinjiang Muslims held a press conference in Urumqi on Tuesday, which was attended by journalists from over 20 domestic and overseas media groups. The Muslims said the violence in Urumqi is a seperatist issue, not a religious one.

Abudurekepu, Standing Committee member of China Islamic  Association

Abudurekepu, Standing Committee member of China Islamic Association, said, "The violence is not a religious issue. We are here to represent all the Muslims in Xinjiang, and what these seperatists did went against the Koran."

Abudureheman, Mosque Iman, said, "Human rights and the rights to education of all ethnic groups are being respected and protected. The government has taken effective measures and we believe that life and production will soon return to normal in Urumqi."

Abudureheman, Mosque Iman

(CCTV July 8, 2009)