Syria elected as diplomatic conference deputy chairman

A diplomatic conference, currently being held in the Hague has elected the head of the Syrian delegation, Muhammad Aziz Shukri, as deputy chairman of the conference.

Some 150 countries are taking part in the conference, which is being held to decide a second protocol complementary to the Hague Convention which calls for the protection of cultural properties during times of armed conflict.

Shukri told reporters that the election of Syria as deputy chairman of this significant conference reflects the importance of the key role played by Syria in the international arena.

The Netherlands was elected as president of the conference.