UNESCO welcomes Iraq's heritage preservation work at World Heritage Committee session

BAGHDAD, Iraq — UNESCO has expressed appreciation for Iraq's efforts to protect archaeological sites on the World Heritage List, according to a written statement from Iraq's Ministry of Culture. The remarks were made during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in Seoul, the South Korean capital. UNESCO specifically commended the research, documentation, assessment, planning and maintenance work underway at the Samarra Archaeological City, which is on the World Heritage List. The agency also welcomed the conservation reports and measures prepared for key Samarra landmarks, including the Mashrik Palace, the Abu Dulaf Mosque and the Hač Dome. Iraq's Ministry of Culture said UNESCO asked the country to continue consulting with the World Heritage Centre and relevant advisory bodies to meet the conditions required for the site's removal from the List of World Heritage in Danger. The statement added that UNESCO also praised Iraq's follow-up on previous decisions concerning the Hatra archaeological site. No further details on a timeline for the next consultations were immediately provided.