“We should oppose the propaganda for cultural cleansing and destruction of our national heritage and unite to assist the Iraqi youths and the mobilisation of the young people everywhere in the world in its support,” said Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO, speaking at a conference themed “Fight against the plundering of Syria’s cultural heritage”, organised by the Norwegian Embassy to Bulgaria and under the auspices of UNESCO, in partnership with the Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research (NIKU), the Bulgarian Ministry of Culture, the Interior Ministry, the Embassy of Cyprus and the Walk of Truth /Netherlands/ organisation.

Ms Bokova informed that an international coalition for its protection was established at the last sitting of the World Heritage Committee.

She added that a Resolution of the UN Security Council adopted this year condemned the destruction of the cultural sites and called for adoption of legal measures for fight against the illegal artefacts trafficking from Iraq and Syria.

“UNESCO and Interpol are mentioned in the resolution as the two organisations responsible to guarantee the implementation of the resolution together with their partners. I addressed all UNESCO member states to report on how they realise the UN Security Council Resolution,” Irina Bokova commented further.

“I would like to greet Norway for the amendments passed to its national legislation as a result of the UN Resolution,” Ms Bokova remarked.