By Zhou Jing

The Chinese authorities have to act to restore order in its Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, spokesman Ian Kelly of the US Department of State said at a daily press briefing in Washington, DC on Wednesday.

Asked to comment on the riot that happened in Xinjiang on July 5, he said, "We remain deeply concerned about this situation. We continue to call on all parties there to exercise restraint."

"And we think that while it's important that the Chinese authorities act to restore order and prevent further violence, we hope their actions will reflect respect for the legal rights of all Chinese citizens." He said.

He said that all American citizens in Xinjiang were safe.

He also said he had no comment on Rebiya Kadeer, the separatist World Uyghur Congress leader.

Also on Wednesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that handling of the violence in the Xinjiang is China's internal affair and Moscow hopes the Chinese government's efforts will normalize the situation.

"We would like to emphasize that Russia considers Xinjiang as an inseparable part of China and believes that what is going on there is exclusively an internal affair for China," the ministry said in a statement.

The Afghan Foreign Ministry released a statement Wednesday saying Afghanistan backs the territorial integrity and sovereignty of China.

"Afghanistan is committed to non-interference in the internal affairs of the People's Republic of China and supports the Chinese government's efforts in war against terrorists and separatists," said the statement.

"Afghanistan supports a strong, progressive and stable China and would continue its friendly relations based on mutual respect and cooperation with China which is a good neighbor," it said.

At least 156 people were killed during a riot on Sunday evening in Urumqi, the capital city of Xinjiang in northwest China. More than 1,000 others were injured.

(China.org.cn July 9, 2009)