UNESCO adds nine properties into world heritage list

Paris: UNESCO`s world heritage committee Monday approved nine more properties into the list of world heritage with some remaining sites to be considered Tuesday, Xinhua reported.

The nine sites being inscribed on the list through the day are in Africa, Europe and Asia. There are four sites situated in Asia: the Ancient villages of Northern Syria (Syrian Arab Republic), the Cultural Sites of Al Ain (United Arab Emirates), the Persian Garden (Iran), and Citadel of the Ho Dynasty (Vietnam). Three of them locate in Europe: the Cultural Landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana (Spain), Pile Dwellings around the Alps ( Switzerland, Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Slovenia) and Selimiye Mosque and its Social Complex (Turkey); and two others are in Africa: Konso Cultural Landscape (Ethiopia), and Fort Jesus in Mombasa (Kenya). Debates over the qualification of those nominated sites are fierce and marked by Thai delegation`s quit from the world heritage committee, says a Unesco official, familiar with the assessing process on the condition of anonymity. The Thai delegation has announced their drop of representation June 25 due to sovereignty disputes with Codia over Preah Vihear Temple, which was enrolled on world heritage list in 2008. In a statement issued Monday, Unesco`s Director General Irina Bokova expressed her regret at Thai government`s decision. A total of 35 nominations, including natural, cultural and mixed properties are being reviewed by the committee, which is holding its 35th session at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. IANS