Translated material
Imperial Palestinian Society intends to save cultural values in Syria from IG
The head of the Public Center of the Imperial Orthodox Palestinian Society (IPPO) for the protection of Christians in the Middle East and North Africa Elena Agapova, who spoke on Tuesday at a press conference in Moscow, turned to the international community and the Syria authorities with a request to give cultural values from the Middle East.
"Perhaps, with the consent of the Syrian authorities, UNESCO, with the participation of other international organizations, we could take on a mission to export some of the most valuable artifacts for temporary placement in world museums," the Agapova portal Interfax -religion quoted.
In the IPPO, she noted, many famous scientists entered, and the St. Petersburg branch of the organization is headed by the director of the State Hermitage Mikhail Piotrovsky.
Elena Agapova said that more than 750 objects of cultural heritage were destroyed or plundered in Syria. Only from the smuggling of antiquities, which were taken out of the Syrian city of the Ang Nabi, the militants of the Islamic State terrorist organization earned at least $ 36 million.
“If, God forbid, Palmyra will be destroyed by the barbarians ISIS, then the indelible spot of shame should lie on the United States and those countries that nourished this terrible monster,” she said.
Agapova also touched on the position of Christians in the Middle East, saying that 70 km from the IS of the ancient city of Palmyra captured by the militants in the VI century monastery were seized and taken out in an unknown direction by two priests.
"The abduction of people for the purpose of ransom brings huge incomes to terrorists: according to some estimates, on average more than $ 20 million a year," she said.
According to the deputy chairman of the IPPO, the International Terrorist International pursues the goal of the "complete destruction of Christianity, its great history and cultural heritage."
The Imperial Orthodox Palestinian Society is the oldest non -governmental organization in Russia, which was formed in 1882 by decree of Emperor Alexander III to organize trips of Russian pilgrims in holy places (Palestine, Athos, Bari), the assistance of the Church in its servant, cultural and educational activities in the Middle East, and scientific research of the historical heritage of the Holy Land.
Currently, 27 branches of the company in Russia and abroad are operating. The organization unites about a thousand people. In November 2013, the IPPO Public Center for the Protection of Christians in the Middle East and North Africa was created. The society, led by Sergei Stepashin, has been helping the people of Syria for more than a year - both Christians and Muslims - sending more than 10 parties in the humanitarian cargo to this country.