UNESCO Calls for preserving Jerusalem history and culture
"UNESCO Executive Board denounced the Israeli excessive use of force and violence that has broken out since September 28, at the yard of Al Haram Al Sharif [the Noble Sanctuary] which is considered an international heritage protectorate," said Tahani Omar, Egyptian Ambassador to the UNESCO.
In its related resolution, the Board expressed deep concern over the Israeli procedures of denying Palestinian access to Jerusalem. It called upon the Israeli authorities to implement relevant UNESCO resolutions.
The Board also expressed sorrow for preventing its envoy from carrying out his mission of studying the status of cultural heritage in Jerusalem in light of the recent developments. It demanded Israeli authorities to shoulder their respective responsibility.
Besides, the Board thanked the UNESCO Director for his tireless endeavors to preserve the cultural and historical properties in Old Jerusalem.
It also stressed the importance of respecting the resolutions concerning cultural, historical, architectural and demographic aspects of Jerusalem.
In the same context, the Board has expressed its sorrow for closing many educational and cultural institutes in the occupied Arab lands due to the Israeli siege on the Palestinian self-rule areas, the matter that hinders UNESCO activities in such areas.
On the other hand, the Board paid due tribute to the international community for its efforts to put an end to violence and pave the way for resuming the peace process. It also strongly called upon Israeli and Palestinian authorities to stop all provocative actions to resume negotiations to reach just and comprehensive peace pursuant to UN Resolutions, particularly 242, 338 and 1322, and the Land for Peace Principle, by which the UNESCO abides firmly.
The Board also called upon UN Secretary General to continue his efforts with the Israeli authorities to guarantee the preservation of human and social fabric as well as the cultural entity of the occupied Golan Heights. This is in addition to stopping imposing Israeli educational curricula on the Syrian students therein.