Press release
Syrian Opposition Coalition – Syria
Department of Media and Communications
May 29, 2020
In yet a new barbaric, sectarian act against, militants belonging to the Assad regime and Iranian terrorist militias desecrated the tomb of the Umayyad caliph Omar bin Abdul Aziz near the town of Maaret Al-Nouman in rural Idlib.
The Syrian Opposition Coalition strongly condemns this barbaric act which reflects the extent of sectarian hatred of the Iranian project and its arms against the nation’s symbols. It calls for the immediate return of the remains to the bomb and the restoration of the shrine to its former shape.
During the past nine years, the Assad regime and its allied foreign militias caused severe damage to historical, religious, and archaeological sites across Syria by direct bombardment or pillage. International measures must be taken to prevent further violations and damage to Syria’s rich cultural, religious heritage.
The SOC stresses the need for the United Nations institutions, including UNESCO, to preserve Syria’s cultural, religious heritage and make every effort to deter further attacks by the Assad regime and Iranian militias.
It is incumbent that the international community, the Arab League, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation assume their responsibilities with regard to this heinous act.
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