Jerusalem’s cultural heritage – UNESCO decision

I

Implementation of 34 C/Resolution 47 and 177 EX/Decision 19

The Executive Board,

1. Recalling 34 C/Resolution 47 and 177 EX/Decision 19, as well as the provisions of the four Geneva Conventions (1949), the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict (1954) and the related Protocols, and the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1972), the inscription of the Old City of Jerusalem on the World Heritage List and on the List of World Heritage in Danger, and the recommendations, resolutions and decisions of UNESCO on the protection of cultural heritage,

2. Affirming that nothing in the present decision, which is aimed at the safeguarding of the cultural heritage of the Old City of Jerusalem, shall in any way affect the relevant United Nations resolutions and decisions, in particular the relevant Security Council resolutions on the legal status of Jerusalem,

3. Having examined documents 179 EX/9 and Add.,

4. Expresses its sincere thanks to the Director-General for his sustained efforts for the safeguarding of the cultural heritage of the Old City of Jerusalem, in compliance with the relevant resolutions and decisions of the General Conference and the Executive Board, and reiterates its concern as to the obstacles and practices affecting the preservation of the distinctive character of the Old City of Jerusalem;

5. Taking note of the declaration by the Director-General concerning Jerusalem at the 172nd session of the Executive Board, which appeals to all parties concerned to respect the outstanding universal value of the Old City of Jerusalem, and to refrain from anything that may jeopardize the distinctive character of the Old City of Jerusalem inscribed on the World Heritage List and on the List of World Heritage in Danger, invites him to pursue his efforts with the authorities concerned in regard to the safeguarding and preservation of the distinctive character of the Old City of Jerusalem;

6. Thanks the Leventis Foundation for its generous contribution to the restoration of the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint John Prodromos, and encourages UNESCO Member States to contribute to the implementation of activities foreseen in the Action Plan for the safeguarding of the cultural heritage of the Old City of Jerusalem, notably through extrabudgetary resources;

7. Decides to include this item in the agenda of the 180th session of the Executive Board and invites the Director-General to submit to it a progress report thereon.

II

Implementation of 176 EX/Special Plenary Meeting/Decision,

176 EX/Decision 20 and 177 EX/Decision 20

The Executive Board,

1. Having examined documents 179 EX/9 and Add.,

2. Recalling 176 EX/Special Plenary Meeting/Decision, 176 EX/Decision 20 and 177 EX/Decision 20,

3. Further recalling decision 31 COM 7.A.18 adopted by the World Heritage Committee at its 31st session (Christchurch, 2007),

4. Affirms that the principal aim of the final design of the Mughrabi ascent should be to maintain the authenticity and integrity of the site;

5. Encourages the application of the reinforced monitoring mechanism, adopted by the World Heritage Committee at its 31st session, in monitoring the state of conservation of the Mughrabi ascent, subject to the procedures in document WHC-07/31.COM/5.2 and decision 31 COM 5.2, and supports, in particular, the involvement of the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in this mechanism;

6. Expresses its gratitude to the Director-General for the positive action he took to ensure the holding of the professional encounter at the technical level on 13 January 2008, as well as the follow-up meeting of 24 February 2008, between Israeli, Jordanian and Waqf experts, with the involvement of the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property and the International Council on Monuments and Sites, to discuss the detailed proposals for the proposed final design of the Mughrabi ascent, prior to any final decision;

7. Expresses its sincere thanks to the Director-General for the action he has taken to ensure the noble mission entrusted to UNESCO in safeguarding, preserving and restoring World Heritage properties for the benefit of humanity and future generations;

8. Invites the Director-General to submit to it a progress report thereon.

[Extracted from document entitled: "Decisions Adopted by the Executive Board at its 179th session, Paris, 1-17 April 2008" and dated 16 May 2008