FM Davutoglu speaks with Chinese counterpart about Uighur region

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu over the weekend telephoned his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi to discuss the recent unrest in China's Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region. During their conversation, which lasted for over an hour, Davutoglu spoke of Turkey's sensitivities and expectations about the events as well as negative public reaction to the violence and over 180 confirmed deaths. Davutoglu called the Uighur people a bridge of friendship in Chinese-Turkish relations, saying that Turkey is looking at the issue from the standpoint of human rights. Stating that Turkey has no intention of interfering with China's domestic affairs and that it respects China's territorial integrity, Davutoglu added that a swift and transparent investigation into the incidents would help the situation. In related news, World Uighur Congress head Rebiya Kadeer said over the weekend that she appreciated the Turkish public's support for Uighur Turks in East Turkistan. Kadeer also expressed gratitude for Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan describing the incidents as genocide. "Our struggle is now being carried to the world media," she added. "We are hopeful for our future. Turkish people embraced their kin from East Turkestan. I believe this time tragedy can turn into triumph."