Ban condemns Nimrud attacks N. Iraq

NEW YORK, March 6 (KUNA) -- UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon condemned in strongest terms ISIL's continuing acts of terror and violations of international humanitarian law, including systematic campaign of destruction of cultural patrimony in Iraq as illustrated by latest attack on archaeological site of Nimrud.
The Secretary General is deeply disturbed by these events, his press office said in a statement, and he called on political and religious leaders in the region to raise their voices in condemnation of these unacceptable attacks.
"The deliberate destruction of our common cultural heritage constitutes a war crime and represents an attack on humanity as a whole," he said.
Later today, Ban will meet with the Director General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, where he would reiterate her call on the entire international community to ensure that these attacks will not continue and that the illicit traffic of cultural artefacts, which also directly contributes to the financing of terrorism, will be prevented.
Nimrud was founded more than 3,300 years ago, and was one of the Assyrian Empires, was bulldozed by armed extremists on Thursday.
In February, the members of the Security Council condemned the destruction of cultural heritage in Iraq and Syria, particularly by ISIL, including targeted destruction of religious sites and objects.
The 15-member body also unanimously adopted resolution 2199 condemning the destruction of cultural heritage in Iraq and Syria, particularly by ISIL and the Al-Nusra Front, as well as trade of oil and antiquities. (end) mao.bs