SAFE Statement of Concern on Kashgar

Saving Antiquities for Eveyone (SAFE) has sent a letter of concern to UNESCO about China's plans to demolish Kashgar. See: http://safecorner.savingantiquities.org/2009/07/statement-of-concern-and-appeal-for.html The letter is also notable because many "heavy hitters" within the archaeological establishment signed it (though others who supported China MOU before CPAC did not).

I suspect the Chinese may be particularly unhappy that a representative of the World Uyghur Congress also signed the letter. Chinese authorities have blamed the World Uyghur Congress for stirring up recent riots in Western China.

I've blogged about Kashgar before, here: http://culturalpropertyobserver.blogspot.com/2009/05/old-kashgar-on-silk-road-to-disappear.html

Archaeological interests shy away from criticizing host governments so SAFE's letter is both unusual and brave.