Media openness lauded after unrest

The initiative to quickly release information about the deadly Xinjiang riots to media highlighted the local government's efforts to be transparent, officials said yesterday.

"Let the facts speak for themselves. We will conduct press conferences as soon as we receive the latest information on the situation," said Li Wanhui, an official with the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous regional government.

Chinese officials point to the televised public speech given by Nur Bekri, chairman of the regional government, a day after the Sunday riot as evidence of the government's open measures. A press conference, they also point out, was held on Monday to give the latest figures on the death toll.