China warns of refugee 'haven' for Uygurs
- Source: Global Times
- [04:18 December 16 2009]
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China warned Tuesday that UN refugee programs "should not be a haven for criminals," and that 22 Uygurs seeking asylum in Cambodia allegedly participated in civil unrest.
A foreign ministry spokeswoman said China was investigating the Uygurs, who arrived at the UN refugee agency office in Phnom Penh after fleeing riots in northwest China in July.
The riot in the Xinjiang region left 197 people dead and more than 1,600 injured, according to an official toll.
Cambodian foreign ministry spokesman Koy Kuong said China's embassy had sent his government a diplomatic note about the Uygur asylum-seekers, but said he could not divulge its contents.
Asked about the note, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said, "These people you just mentioned are involved in crimes, and the relevant authorities are verifying and investigating the situation.
"I would like to stress that the international refugee-protection system should not be a haven for criminals to evade legal sanctions," she added.
Kitty McKinsey, Bangkok-based Asia spokeswoman for the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), said she could not comment on individual cases.
But Koy Kuong said the UNHCR in Phnom Penh had confirmed that 22 Uygurs, including three children, had arrived at its office. Their presence in Phnom Penh was first made public by the Washington Post two weeks ago.
AFP
