UN chief: Timbuktu shrine destruction 'totally unjustified'

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has voiced his concern over the worsening security and humanitarian situation in northern Mali, and by reports that mausoleums in the ancient city of Timbuktu have been destroyed. "The Secretary General calls on all parties to exercise their responsibility to preserve the cultural heritage of Mali," said Ban's spokesperson in a statement. "Such attacks against cultural heritage sites are totally unjustified." Ban reiterated his support for the ongoing efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union and countries in the region to help the people of Mali resolve the current crisis through dialogue. Yesterday, the Director General of UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Irina Bokova, expressed her distress and dismay over the destruction of three sacred tombs that are part of a World Heritage site in Timbuktu, Mali. Mali's government condemned the destruction, which they say is akin to 'war crimes'. On Thursday, the World Heritage Committee had accepted the request of the government of Mali to place Timbuktu and the Tomb of Askia on UNESCO's List of World Heritage in Danger.