Fighting separatism in Xinjiang would be a long-term, complicated and tough task, said Xinjiang government head Nur Berkri on Sunday when speaking of the current situation in the region.

Nur Berkri said the situation of fighting separatism was still grave as the separatist forces, despite being hit hard after the July 5 riot, would not willing to accept their failure and were likely to "make more troubles."

"Whatever they do, they are doomed to failure," he said.

Nur Berkri made the remarks at a press conference on the sidelines of the National People's Conference, the country's top legislature.

(Xinhua News Agency March 7, 2010)