Beirut: Minister of Culture, Dr. Ghassan Salameh, hosted a meeting at the National Library in Sanayeh with two experts from the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), Monica Longo and Anne Forrish. The discussions centered on the Valley of the Saints (Qadisha Valley) and the necessary measures to maintain its place on UNESCO's World Heritage List, as highlighted in a report prepared by the visiting experts under UNESCO's commission.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Minister Salameh expressed his unwavering dedication to the Valley and its significant international standing. He highlighted the importance of bolstering the presence of the Directorate General of Antiquities in the valley and its vicinity. The Ministry of Culture - Directorate General of Antiquities had previously sought the intervention of UNESCO - World Heritage Centre, requesting an international expert mission to evaluate the current state of the site, identify preservation and management challenges, and provide recommendations for enhanced protection and sustainable management.
The meeting was attended by key figures, including Sarkis Khoury, Director General of Antiquities; Joe Kreidi, Project Manager in the Culture Sector at UNESCO's Regional Office in Beirut; Georges Zouein, Director of GAIA Foundation and member of ICOMOS Lebanon; Jean Yasmine, member of ICOMOS Lebanon; and Samar Karam, Officer in charge of archaeological sites in Northern Lebanon at the Directorate General of Antiquities.