Global support urged to save Iraq's cultural heritage
UNITED NATIONS — Iraq and Germany are urging all countries to support a UN resolution aimed at saving Iraq's ancient cultural heritage from further destruction by the Islamic State extremist group.
Iraq's Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari and Germany's UN Deputy Ambassador Heiko Thoms announced the joint initiative in speeches at a General Assembly meeting on promoting tolerance and reconciliation and countering violent extremism.
Earlier this month, an Islamic State video showed the destruction of parts of the ancient Iraqi Assyrian city of Nimrud, a site dating back to the 13th century B.C.
Al-Jaafari said attacks by the Islamic State group should be considered war crimes and the perpetrators should be brought to justice.
Thoms said the proposed General Assembly resolution will call for enhanced oversight of cultural heritage and criminal action against looters.
Iraq's Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari and Germany's UN Deputy Ambassador Heiko Thoms announced the joint initiative in speeches at a General Assembly meeting on promoting tolerance and reconciliation and countering violent extremism.
Earlier this month, an Islamic State video showed the destruction of parts of the ancient Iraqi Assyrian city of Nimrud, a site dating back to the 13th century B.C.
Al-Jaafari said attacks by the Islamic State group should be considered war crimes and the perpetrators should be brought to justice.
Thoms said the proposed General Assembly resolution will call for enhanced oversight of cultural heritage and criminal action against looters.