“Heritage of Afghanistan” - “Saving Bamiyan’s
Past for the Future”
Ambassador Said T. Jawad
04/30/2004
Professor Tarzi,
Honorable Mayor Gavin and Kimberly Newson
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like to express my sincere appreciation
to Professor Tarzi and the members of the Association for the
Protection of Afghan Archaeology for organizing the “Heritage
of Afghanistan” and the “Saving Bamiyan’s
Past for the Future” event. I regret that due to prior
commitments I am not able to be with you in my favorite city,
San Francisco.
No other country in the world has lost so much
of its cultural heritage than Afghanistan, especially with the
ancient Buddha status in Bamiyan which was destroyed by the
Taliban regime. Fortunately, there might be a third statue buried
under the ground in Bamiyan. It is essential therefore to recognize
the Association’s initiatives to protect and preserve
the rich Afghan cultural heritage, an important part of world
history. The Association’s effort to educate the international
community about the values of archaeology in Afghanistan is
highly appreciated by the people and the Government of Afghanistan.
The various programs that the Association is undertaking
for the reconstruction and conservation of Afghanistan’s
historic heritage needs wide support from the international
community. The Afghan people appreciate the Association’s
commitment to provide training to archaeologists to perform
surveys, excavation, restoration and conservation projects.
I invite everyone to contribute to the Association’s
cause in reviving Afghanistan’s lost cultural heritage
to the limelight.
I thank you and wish you continued success.
