Delegations participating in the Arab Youth Forum visit Damascus National Museum

The delegations participating in the Arab Youth Solidarity Forum, currently held in Damascus, on Saturday visited the Damascus National Museum and saw its archeological holdings and its garden which represents the different stages of the Syrian civilization.

Director-General of Antiquities and Museums Muhammad Nazir Awad explained that the museum, which was established in 1919, is one of the most important museums of the world, pointing out that there are more than 30,000 registered archaeological sites in Syria, of which 6 are included in the World Heritage List.

He talked about the systematic destruction of a number of archaeological sites due to terrorism, in addition to the theft and the smuggling of hundreds of artifacts from Syria to be sold abroad, pointing out that a number of these artifacts were recovered and a number of destroyed artifacts were restored.

Awad clarified that 80 artifacts have been recovered so far, pointing out that the unilateral coercive measures imposed on Syria have impeded the process of restoring the archaeological sites which were attacked and vandalized by the terrorists.

Members of the visiting delegations, for their part, stressed that the destroyed antiquities reveal the falsehood of the humanitarian slogans claimed by the United States which did nothing when the Syrian antiquities were destroyed by US-backed terrorists and mercenaries.

“Syria is the cradle of civilization and its antiquities and culture prove this fact Dr. Suhad Zahran, a Palestinian member of the delegation, said, pointing out “we hope that it will remain as proud as these antiquities”.

“Our message, as Arab youth, is to stand by Syria against the barbaric aggression and the siege imposed on it,” she added.

Dr. Mohammad Rajab Yasin, member of the delegation from Egypt, said that the aim of their visit is to break the siege imposed on Syria and to deliver a message to the countries of the world that all Arab countries are supporting Syria, its people, its leadership and its army in the confrontation of Western countries’ schemes.

Member of the delegation from Iraq Ahmad Al-Mer’I said that “visiting the National Museum is a journey throughout ancient times, and this journey confirms the richness of the Syrian civilization, which will remain immortal”.

He pointed out that Syria will continue to be strong thanks to cohesion of its people and it will triumph over terrorism and the economic blockade.

The forum kicked off yesterday with the participation of 92 Arab youths.

The 3-day event, hosted by the General Union of Syrian Students and the Revolutionary Youth Union, is held under the title “Together to End the Blockade and Unfair Sanctions Imposed on Syria” at the Rida Saeed Hall in Damascus University.

Hamda Mustafa