US destruction at Babylon
"US led multinational forces in Iraq have ceased all earth moving projects at the archaeological site of Babylon in response to a Channel 4 News report.
"The statement comes after a broadcast on Friday’s Channel 4 News which showed that the US led forces had built a camp there, causing 'substantial damage' to one of the world's most renowned archaeological treasures ...
"On Monday the British Museum will publish a report on what it says is irreparable damage to one of the seven wonders of the world. Channel 4 News international editor Lindsey Hilsum had exclusive access to the findings.
"Two and half thousand years ago King Nebuchadnezzar built the famous palace and hanging gardens, Saddam Hussein put his own palace there, now American and Polish forces have constructed a military camp in Babylon.
"According to John Curtis, author of the British Museum report: 'About 130,000 square metres of the surface of the site has been covered with gravel, in some cases compacted and sprayed with chemicals to stop dust'.
"The British Museum report say sand bags from outside contaminate the site, you can see how the pressure from heavy vehicles has pushed the gravel down so it’s irreparably mixed with ancient materials and ground yet to be excavated by archaeologists has been further contaminated by a leaky fuel depot.
"When American forces arrived in Babylon in April 2003, they saw the museum had been looted and said they wanted to protect the ancient site.
"Colonel James Coleman of the First Marine Expeditionary Force speaking in April 2003, said: 'We’re very interested in the historical perspective on the site and securing that for the future Iraqi people'... [Yeah, right. - N]
Full text here
"US led multinational forces in Iraq have ceased all earth moving projects at the archaeological site of Babylon in response to a Channel 4 News report.
"The statement comes after a broadcast on Friday’s Channel 4 News which showed that the US led forces had built a camp there, causing 'substantial damage' to one of the world's most renowned archaeological treasures ...
"On Monday the British Museum will publish a report on what it says is irreparable damage to one of the seven wonders of the world. Channel 4 News international editor Lindsey Hilsum had exclusive access to the findings.
"Two and half thousand years ago King Nebuchadnezzar built the famous palace and hanging gardens, Saddam Hussein put his own palace there, now American and Polish forces have constructed a military camp in Babylon.
"According to John Curtis, author of the British Museum report: 'About 130,000 square metres of the surface of the site has been covered with gravel, in some cases compacted and sprayed with chemicals to stop dust'.
"The British Museum report say sand bags from outside contaminate the site, you can see how the pressure from heavy vehicles has pushed the gravel down so it’s irreparably mixed with ancient materials and ground yet to be excavated by archaeologists has been further contaminated by a leaky fuel depot.
"When American forces arrived in Babylon in April 2003, they saw the museum had been looted and said they wanted to protect the ancient site.
"Colonel James Coleman of the First Marine Expeditionary Force speaking in April 2003, said: 'We’re very interested in the historical perspective on the site and securing that for the future Iraqi people'... [Yeah, right. - N]
Full text here
Nora posted item above at 6:01 AM | Permalink
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