URUMQI, China - A Chinese official says that mosques in riot-hit Urumqi have been ordered to stay closed for Friday prayers in the wake of ethnic violence that left 156 dead, and another city in Xinjiang province has suspended visits by foreigners.
The official who identified herself as a government worker but refused to give her name said Friday that the decision to close mosques had been made for public safety and that "people should stay at home today and pray."
Separately, officials in Kashgar in southwestern Xinjiang have told visiting journalists that they and other foreigners had to leave the city.
The city's foreign affairs office says that although the city has had no unrest, the decision was made to ensure the safety of the visitors.
