LOC14:56
11:56 GMT
PARIS, May 29 (KUNA) -- The UNESCO has unveiled plans to establish an observatory in Beirut (Lebanon) to monitor and assess the state of Syria's cultural heritage.
In a press statement, the UNESCO said that the decision was made during an international meeting of experts held at UNESCO from 26 - 28 May.
The Observatory will monitor the state of buildings, artefacts and intangible cultural heritage to combat illicit trafficking and collect information to restore heritage once the fighting is over, reads the statement.
Based at UNESCO's Office in Beirut, the Observatory will maintain an online platform where national and international stakeholders will share information on damaged structures, looted artefacts and all forms of endangered intangible heritage.
On this occasion, Director-General of UNESCO Irina Bokova highlighted the dangers facing the historic sites in Syria due to the ongoing devastating conflict.
"In some areas we are reaching the point of no return where Syria's cultural heritage is concerned," cautioned Bokova.
"The destruction of heritage represents a cultural haemorrhage in addition to the tragic humanitarian crisis and suffering experienced by the people of Syria."
The Director-General was particularly concerned about the recent extensive damage to the historical synagogue of Eliyahu Hanabi in Damascus.
"The destruction of one of the oldest synagogues in Syria is a new blow against its religious and cultural heritage, which has already suffered tremendous damage," declared the Director-General, referring in particular to the fact that Syria is host to highly significant monuments of Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths.
"This synagogue bears witness to the cultural diversity of Syria's history and to the potential of peaceful coexistence among all communities in the country," she concluded. (end)
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