AFP 14.03.2001

Afghanistan's ruling Taliban were reported on Friday to have shelled world-famous, rock-hewn Buddhas as a U.N. envoy warned them of a devastating reaction if they carried out a plan to destroy all of the country's historic statues...

But the edict from Taliban leader Mullah Mohamad Omar that all statues in Afghanistan should be destroyed because they are un-Islamic has angered countries around the world and across religions...

There was no official comment from the Taliban, who have rejected international appeals -- including from Islamic countries -- to save the country's rich cultural past at the heart of the ancient Silk Road...

Since seizing power in 1996, the Taliban has also barred women from schools and work and going out without wearing the all-enveloping burqa veil and ordered men to grow long beards...

Sunday Times - 4 March 2001

Photo : Raoul Coutard.

"As you are no doubt aware the Government and people of Sri Lanka, a predominantly Buddhist country are deeply concerned at the prospect that the world-renowned Buddha statues which are located in the Bamiyan province of Afghanistan might be destroyed on the decree of the Taliban authorities. My Minister of Foreign Affairs has taken steps to contact the Governments of various countries, both Buddhist and non-Buddhist, with a view to making representations to the Taliban authorities to desist from such a senseless course of conduct. During my recent visit to New Delhi, I discussed this grave question with the Prime Minister of India. He too takes the view that everything possible should be done to prevent the occurrence of a catastrophe of such monumental proportions. The Government of India is willing to give shelter in India to these priceless examples of early Buddhist sculpture that are found in Afghanistan.

If there is any international operation being mounted to rescue the objects that are in danger in Afghanistan my Government would be willing to share in the expenses that such a rescue operation would entail.

I wish to express my appreciation of the stand that you have publicly taken in this matter, and I urge you to continue your efforts to bring about a satisfactory solution to this problem which confronts the international community.

Sri Lanka is co-sponsoring a resolution under Agenda Item 46 to be introduced in the General Assembly by Germany. This resolution strongly urges the Taliban to review its decision of 26 February 2001 and to stop its implementation; strongly urges the Taliban to take immediate action to prevent the further destruction of the irreplaceable relics of Afghanistan’s heritage; strongly calls upon the Taliban to abide by their previous commitments to protect Afghanistan’s cultural heritage from all acts of vandalism, damage and theft; and strongly calls upon all Member States to take appropriate measures to safeguard the sculptures, including if necessary their temporary relocation.

The Government of Sri Lanka stands ready and willing to do everything within its own capacity, and to join all international endeavours, to save from destruction these objects of particular reverence to Buddhists which, indeed, belong to the ancient heritage of all mankind".