PRAGUE, (ST)-Czech Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivo Šrámek has underscored that protection of Syrian cultural heritage is important for humanity, referring to the successful development of bilateral cooperation between Syrian and Czech Republic.
His remark came during his today’s meeting with Director-General of the DGAM Dr. Maamoun Abdul Karim and the accompanying delegation, who are visiting Czech Republic.
Šrámek stressed that only the Syrians decide the future of their country.
“Czech Foreign Ministry is closely watching developments in Syria, and it is optimistic that talks in Astana and Geneva will soon lead to the halt of fighting and restoration of stability to the country,” he added.
Yesterday, Syria and Czech Republic signed declaration of intent to establish a long-term cooperation in fields of the restoration of monuments, protection of cultural heritage in Syria and holding exhibitions about Syrian monuments and culture in the Czech Republic.
Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums (DGAM) announced last month that 89 looted artifacts returned to Syria through Lebanon and the sale of other looted artifacts in Europe was stopped in cooperation with INTERPOL and UNESCO.
There are 10.000 archeological sites in Syria, 300 of them have been damaged since the start of the terrorist war on Syria, Dr. Abdulkarim told the French Le Figaro newspaper in 2015.
Since 2011, Syria has faced a foreign-backed terror war targeting its army, people, civilization and infrastructures in accordance with US-Zionist plot that aims to fragment the region and to have hegemony over its wealth.
Related link: http://syriatimes.sy/index.php/archaeology/30673-syria-czech-republic-sign-declaration-of-intent-on-monuments-protection
Basma Qaddour