URUMQI CURFEW LIFTED

The curfew that was imposed in Urumqi, the capital city of Xinjiang province, during the evening hours of 7-8 July 2009 has been lifted. However, tensions remain high and various clashes have since been reported, making it probable that the curfew will be reinstated. The curfew, which included road closures and additional patrols, also affected transportation, as minimal public transportation options are available. After days of ethnic clashes, reports emerged on 8 July that hundreds of people trying to leave the city have overrun Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, which currently remains operational. The Chinese government issued a statement on 8 July indicating that the individuals who instigated the riots will be executed.