PARIS, February 26, 2010 (WAFA)-  The head of the lead United Nations agency on education and culture has added her voice to those expressing concern at Israel's announcement that it is adding two holy sites in occupied Palestinian territory to its list of national heritage sites.

Irina Bokova, Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), endorsed Mr. Serry's view that these sites are “of historical and religious significance not only to Judaism but also to Islam, and to Christianity as well.”

She reiterated UNESCO's long-standing conviction that cultural heritage should serve as a means for dialogue, according to a news release issued by the Paris-based agency.

UNESCO has been mandated by its member States to provide assistance to the Palestinian Authority in the fields of education and culture. It has been working with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of the Palestinian Authority and Palestinian civil society to protect and preserve the cultural heritage sites in the West Bank and is committed to continue doing so, the agency stated.

The Director-General is committed to strengthening “UNESCO's financial and technical assistance to the Palestinian educational and cultural institutions in order to address new needs and problems resulting from recent developments.”