Unesco Calls for Constructive Dialogue on Heritage Protection

Paris.- The general director of UNESCO, Bokova, today called for a constructive dialogue to address issues related to the protection of heritage in the Middle East threatened by the escalating violence. Therefore, it undertook extensive consultations to encourage Member States of The United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO) to continue a constructive discussion in accordance with the mandate of that agency.

According to a statement released in this capital, Bokova deplored the recent proposals-of which no details are given in the document-which discusses the Executive Board of the organization.

These ones could be perceived as an attempt to change the status of the Old City of Jerusalem and its walls -registered in the World Heritage List of Unesco and could worsen the tensions, it was said.

Bokova called on the Council to take decisions that do not feed further problems in the area and to encourage respect for the sanctity of the holy places.

The protection of cultural heritage should not be taken as a hostage, because it weakens the mandate and efforts of the institution, the statement stresses.

The document echoes the words of Bokova in which remarks that 'the mandate of UNESCO makes us responsible of making decisions that promote dialogue, tolerance and peace. This is particularly important for young people, who should receive inspiration and education for peace'.

Jerusalem is the holy land of the three monotheistic religions, a place of dialogue for all Jews, Christians and Muslims. Jerusalem is a mosaic of cultures and peoples whose history has shaped the history of humanity, she said.

The Director General called for dialogue and consensus for the mandate of UNESCO advance towards the world heritage protection and the promotion of tolerance and mutual respect.

In this regard, she reiterated her calls to all parties to ensure that the cultural heritage, including religious, is preserved and accessible to all and for the exchange in a spirit of mutual understanding to be resumed.

Source: PL