Churkin: Turkey has the largest center for selling the looted antiques from Syria

Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN Vitaly Churkin said that the Turkish city of Gaziantep is the main center for selling relics looted by the ISIS terrorist organization in Syria.

UNESCO establishes fund to restore Palmyra

 Permanent Delegate of the Russian Federation to UNESCO Eleonora Mitrofanova announced on Tuesday that the organization established exceptional fund to return the situation in Palmyra city to normal.

ISIS in almost full control of Syria’s Palmyra

Jihadists from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) group were in almost full control of Syria’s historic city of Palmyra on Wednesday night after the withdrawal of government forces, a monitor said.

ISIL/ISIS fighters destroy another world heritage Iraqi site. (The site was also made famous in the Hollywood horror film, The Exorcist.)

Fighters of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) have bulldozed the ancient city of Hatra, Iraqi officials say.

In a statement posted on its website on Saturday, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities quoted media outlets about the "looting and destruction of the ruins of the anciety city of Hatra."

"Israel to respond strongly against those who attempt to harm": Netanyahu

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said "Hamas should take into account that Israel would respond strongly against those who attempt to harm the country."

In response to a Gaza attack on Sunday morning, Netanyahu said the Israeli government is committed to "protecting tranquility in the south" and that they will continue their policy of pre-emptive action.
Israeli air forces attacked a Palestinian, allegedly held responsible for launching five rockets towards southern Israel last week. 

Bulgaria Top Cop Blocks Road to Main Winter Resort Bansko

Bulgarian Minister of Interior Tsvetan Tsvetanov participated Sunday in a protest that blocked the entrance to Bulgaria's top winter resort, Bansko.
Tsvetanov expressed support for Bansko residents, who for a thrid day in a row have come out to request an expansion of ski facilities in the resort.
The action of Bulgaria's top cop and Vice-PM is a culmination of a string of high-ranking visits to the protests, which saw Parliament Speaker Tsetska Tsacheva and vice minister for tourism Ivo Marinov also showing up.
"I am convinced that in a very short time, protesters' demands will be satisfied. Their requests will be heard at the very first cabinet sitting in 2013," stated Tsvetanov.
8,000 Bansko residents, organized by mayor Georgi Ikonomov, have submitted to Bulgaria's President Rosen Plevneliev a petition requesting for expansion of facilities in the resort.