Press release of the Inter-Parliamentary Union
Geneva, 2 March 2001
N° 112

The Inter-Parliamentary Union is appalled at the decision by the Taliban to destroy Afghanistan's pre-Islamic statues, including the famous Buddhas of Bamiyan. The President of the IPU Council vehemently condemns this unacceptable assault on mankind's common heritage.

In a resolution on the dialogue among civilisations and cultures adopted less than a year ago, the Inter-Parliamentary Union asserted that every civilisation and culture is unique and irreplaceable, and that all cultures and civilisations are part of the common legacy of humankind.

Dr. Heptulla is urging the Kabul authorities to call an immediate halt to the outrageous pillaging of the historic monuments of Afghanistan's spiritual heritage which would cause irreparable loss to humanity.

The President of the Council of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the IPU Secretary General are appealing to parliamentarians throughout the world to join forces to convince the Afghan authorities to take action to protect Afghanistan’s historic monuments, sites and other artistic works.

Founded in 1889 and based in Geneva, the IPU is the organisation of the world’s parliaments. It currently has 140 member national parliaments and five regional parliamentary organisations with associate member status. It also has a Liaison Bureau with the UN in New York.