Die Republik Irak
Comment by the Information and Press Department on the destruction of historical artefacts by ISIS terrorists in Mosul, Iraq
According to reports, terrorists from ISIS, which controls vast swathes of territory in northern Syria and northwest Iraq, have committed yet another atrocity, destroying a collection of priceless statues in the history museum of the Iraqi city of Mosul. The lost artefacts were from the Assyrian period, dating back to the 9th- 7th centuries BC, and were on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Unfortunately, the Mosul history museum has been looted more than once. In 2003, when Iraq was occupied by US troops, the museum lost many extremely valuable exhibits of the heritage of ancient Mesopotamia.
Moscow strongly condemns these barbaric acts committed by ISIS terrorists. It is further evidence of the real face of those who recognise nothing but violence and are far removed from true Islam. We endorse the statement of UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova.
February 27, 2015
