ISESCO says Ajiad Fortress not monument of universal legacy

The Rabat-based Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) said the Ajiad fortress, located in Mecca, is not a monument listed on the UNESCO list of world heritage because it does not have a particular aesthetic or civilizational value.

ISESCO says in a statement the Saudi authorities' move to build residence compounds on the fortress site is a Saudi internal affair. "Any interference in this issue is misplaced" says ISESCO, which is a body of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC).