Former vice chairman of National People's Congress Standing committee Ismail Amat stressed the important of ethnic unity especially in trying circumstances.

Ismail Amat, Former Vice-Chairman of NPC Standing Committee, said, "When the July 5th riot took place I was in Urumqi. I was extremely shocked and furious when I learnt about what happened. The rioters were oblivious of the fundametal interests of people from all ethinic groups, and of the Chinese law. The burning, looting, smashing and beating was a crime and should be denounced. People from all ethnic groups know the nature of the incident. They condemn the rioters and they stand on the side of the Chinese government and people. With the leadership of the Communist Party Central Committee, CPC Xinjiang committee and the autonomous region's government has handled the matter in a prompt and decisive manner. I fully support them. People with all ethinic backgrounds support them. No matter which ethnic group one belongs to, he or she must work for ethinic unity and social stability.