Bahrain's pioneering cultural, heritage role hailed

Manama, July 3 (BNA): Tunisian Ambassador to the UNESCO, a member of the World Heritage Committee, Dr. Ghazi Al-Ghurairi, praised Bahrain's pioneering cultural and heritage role in the region highlighted by hosting the Arab Regional Center for World Heritage.  In a statement to Bahrain News Agency (BNA), Dr. Al Ghurairy congratulated Bahrain on the successful organization of 42nd meeting of the World Heritage Committee, which attracted nearly 2,000 people.  He said the meeting discussed a number of topics, including the world heritage sites in danger and the preservation of heritage sites, congratulating Saudi Arabia on listing Al-Ahsa Oasis and Oman on listing the ancient city of Qalhat to the World Heritage List. He pointed out the importance of security and stability in the protection of heritage sites. He added the UN Resolution 2347 considers the destruction of heritage sites in armed conflicts as a war crime. He stressed the need for raising awareness among communities of demographic development, economic development and the protection of the environment and heritage sites.