This morning, at the Farnesina, Deputy Minister Marina Sereni met the members of the Italian Archaeological Mission in Near Eastern of La Sapienza University of Rome. This Mission is led by Professor Paolo Matthiae, who, since 1964, has been leading the excavation that brought to light the remains of the ancient city of Ebla, Syria.
Mission members outlined the activity status in Near Eastern, with special reference to sites and museums that suffered or are likely to suffer damage and problems due to on-going hostility within the region.
Recalling the action of protection and valorisation of cultural heritage, Deputy Minister Sereni reaffirmed our Government commitment for the Archaeological Mission activities.
“Maintaining a constant cultural presence in Syria and in other Middle Eastern countries facing a major political and humanitarian crisis goes beyond Mission duties and merits, that are remarkable, and for this reason Italy has to thank archaeologists, as well as to fully support them” – Ms Sereni pointed out.
