(ANSA) Beirut, May 15 - The United Nations Scientific and
Educational Organisation UNESCO expressed concern Friday as ISIS
forces approached the ancient archaeological site at Palmyra in
Syria.
UNESCO official Irina Bokova told reporters after a
meeting with Lebanese Premier Tammam Salam that she was alarmed
at the ISIS advance to the city of Tadmor near to Palmyra along
the road that links Dayr az Xor and Homs.
Heavy clashes took place Thursday in the area between
government and ISIS forces, military sources said.
Palmyra contains the monumental ruins of a great city that
was one of the most important cultural centres of the ancient
world.
From the 1st to the 2nd century, the art and architecture of
Palmyra, standing at the crossroads of several civilizations,
married Graeco-Roman techniques with local traditions and
Persian influences.
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