Egyptian initiative to restore Palestinian antiquities

An emergency meeting of the Arab Antiquities Authorities agreed on an Egyptian initiative for restoration of Palestinian, antiquities damaged during a series of brutal attacks against the Palestinian self-rule areas.

In a press conference Wednesday evening, chief of Egypt's delegation to the conference Zahi Hawas said that Egypt would incur all costs needed for the overhaul of the Palestinian antiquities. He urged all Arab countries to support the initiative.

Recommendations of the Conference reiterated rejection of US attempts to block an Egyptian-Arab resolution in the world heritage committee condemning Israeli aggression against cultural and humanitarian heritage.

Participants called on the Arab League to address world organizations to act immediately for the protection of Palestinian archaeological, historical and religious sites in the Palestinian territories.