'UNESCO and Turkey in solid dialogue over Istanbul's historic areas'

Local authorities in Turkey and UNESCO?s experts are engaged in ?solid dialogue? over Istanbul?s historic sites, which are on the world heritage list, says the organization?s director general. ?The world heritage committee is watching very closely what is happening, but we are not a punishment squad,? ?rina Bokova tells the Hürriyet Daily News The Turkish government?s infrastructure and restoration projects are worrying civil society representatives in the country, concerned that Istanbul?s historic sites could be removed from UNESCO?s world heritage list.

Touching on these concerns, UNESCO Director General ?rina Bokova has told the Hürriyet Daily News that her organization is ?watching very closely what is happening.?

?The world heritage committee is watching very closely what is happening. Solid dialogue has been established by the expert community that is helping UNESCO and the local authorities,? Bokova said.

What is the current state of affairs in relations between Turkey and UNESCO?

We have a long relations Turkey; it is a founding member. We have relations in practically all areas; for instance, with universities I just launched a chair in Turkey. The country has 13 sites on the world heritage list, and it has 12 elements on the intangible heritage list. Turkey has hosted many of our meetings, and we work with the ?Alliance of Civilizations? - a joint Turkish Spanish initiative. I want to strengthen all this.

But I still think we can do more, especially at a time when the world is in turmoil. This was the message for my first official visit to Turkey: A renewed partnership. I don?t talk of cooperation only as a bilateral thing; it is partnership for the benefit of others too.

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