Press release

Minister Ellwood condemns destruction of ancient sites in Iraq

Minister Ellwood has condemned the destruction by ISIL of ancient sites and antiquities in Iraq.

• From: Foreign & Commonwealth Office and The Rt Hon Tobias Ellwood
• Published: 6 March 2015

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Foreign Office Minister for Middle East, Tobias Ellwood said:

I condemn ISIL’s wanton destruction of ancient sites and other antiquities, some dating back several thousand years. The wilful wrecking of Iraq and Syria’s cultural heritage, including by ISIL, is undermining the rich cultural heritage, history and sense of belonging for all communities in the region.

This latest destruction further illustrates the need for the international community to come together and support the Government of Iraq in defeating ISIL and its barbarism.

Further information

Follow Foreign Office Minister Tobias Ellwood on Twitter: @TobiasEllwoodMP.

Follow the Foreign Office on Twitter.

Follow the Foreign Office on Facebook & Google+.

Media enquiries

For journalists

Email newsdesk@fco.gov.uk

Published 6 March 2015