LOC17:30
14:30 GMT
TUNIS, Feb 12 (KUNA) -- Director-General of Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) Dr. Saud Al-Harbi said on Monday that the State of Kuwait was among first countries that enacted laws for protecting architectural heritage.
Kuwait is a pioneer in this respect, issuing the relics law in 1960, a year before attaining independence, said Al-Harbi, who is a Kuwaiti citizen.
Al-Harbi says, judging by what he has heard and seen during visits to many Arab countries, Kuwait's efforts for preserving the heritage are very much applauded.
He was speaking in a statement on margins of a third meeting for liaison officers at ALECSO's monitor for architectural heritage.
On the meeting, which grouped Arab experts, Al-Harbi said it depicted ALECSO's concern for preserving antiquities particularly in wars and conflicts' stricken regions
"Our Arab and Islamic heritages are threatened in an unprecedented manner," Al-Harbi said, also warning that natural catastrophes have demolished treasures.
He indicated efforts by the organization to set up a monitor to examine conditions and events affecting the heritage.
Meanwhile, Tunisian Minister of Culture Mohammad Zain Al-Abidin called in a statement during the meeting for inter-Arab talks to examine plans for conserving the architectural heritage in conflicts' stricken regions.
He called on Arab states to devote greater concern for the heritage, instead of eyeing it as merely part of tourism. (end)
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