The Hindu : Pak. dismayed at burning of Baghdad library

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Apr 18, 2003

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International

Pak. dismayed at burning of Baghdad library

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD APRIL 17. Pakistan has expressed shock and dismay at the reported burning of the Library of Korans in Baghdad and the destruction of priceless treasures of the National Library and Archives.

"Pakistan was also deeply concerned at the looting of Iraqi National Museum that housed numerous invaluable artefacts and items of archaeological importance,'' a Foreign Office Spokesman said.

The Mesopotamian civilisation, which interacted with our Indus valley civilisation, is among the cradles of human society, the spokesman said in a statement. "It is with much regret that we have noted that despite warnings, looting was not curbed in time. International law and accepted standards demand protection be given to such treasures that are a common heritage of mankind,'' the spokesman said.

The spokesman said Pakistan fully endorsed the concern expressed by the United Nations' Secretary-General and the specific demands made of the parties in effective control of Iraq to act immediately to prevent further losses by protecting Iraq's archaeological and religious sites, museums and other cultural institutions.

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Pak. dismayed at burning of Baghdad library