W. House says deeply concerned by Xinjiang violence

WASHINGTON, July 6 (Reuters) - The White House on Monday urged all sides in China's northwestern Xinjiang region "to exercise restraint," after rioting in the traditionally Muslim area left at least 156 people dead.

"We are deeply concerned over reports of many deaths and injuries from violence in Urumqi in western China. Reports, so far, are unclear about the circumstances surrounding the deaths and injuries, so it would be premature to comment or speculate further," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said in a statement.

"We call on all in Xinjiang to exercise restraint," Gibbs said. (Reporting by Doug Palmer; editing by Jackie Frank)