The United States, Washington, July 14 / Trend , N.Bogdanova/
Leader of Uighurs and President of the World Uighur Congress Rabia Kadir spoke with Trend in an exclusive interview.
Trend : Currently, the world community is witnessing the tragic events in Urumqi with concern. What assistance do You expect from the Turkic world for the Uighur people?
Rabia Kadir: The whole Turkic world fully supports us and expresses readiness to help us. The Turkic world is always unified and I am very glad to this. Since the first days, we have felt the support of Turks in Iraq, the Central Asian countries and others, and we are very grateful for that. This is a difficult day for our people and the Uighurs need both moral and material support. Thank everyone who helps us. I think that not only people, but governments of the Turkish countries, particularly the countries of Central Asia or Azerbaijan must coordinate and help us to raise this issue on the international political level, and demand from China to cease these actions. These countries are our friends, and we are waiting for their support.
Q: Do you have any information about Azerbaijanis living in Urumqi?
A: Many Azerbaijanis live in Urumqi. They are basically engaged in the trade and business. The situation in the region is quite complicated and there is no accurate information about anything. We are very concerned and hope that everything will be resolved soon.
Q: Some argue that official Turkey has shown more zeal in the attacks to the Gaza Strip than in the Uighur issue. Do you think will Turkey show more activity on this issue?
A: We have gained the support of the Turkish people and government of this country. They were among the first expressed their concern. We believe that Turkey will continue to provide us full support, and we do not consider it insignificant. There is no need to compare our situation to the events in Gaza. I thank Prime Minister Erdogan for allowing issuing me a visa to Turkey. Previously I had problems with that, but now as soon as I am free, I will visit the country. I have important business in Washington at the moment, but when I solve them, I want to meet with our supporters, as well as with the Uighurs living in Turkey. Turkey is our great friend and brother.
Q: The Chinese government accuses the Uighurs of having links with Islamic extremists. I would like to hear your opinion on this matter.
A: The whole world is witnessing the developments in China and everybody understands that the Uighurs have no links with Islamic or any other extremists. Our people's protests were peaceful. And in response to it, the Chinese shed our blood after which it has become known who are real extremists. All of these rumors are just a provocation of Chinese.