World Heritage Committee, convened today for its 46th session in New Delhi, India, approved two decisions on the Albanian World Heritage sites of Butrint and Berat-Gjirokastër.

In a press release, the Ministry of Culture, Education, and Science (MEKI) announced that the draft decision for the Lake Ohrid Region is scheduled for discussion at next year’s session.

MEKI wholeheartedly supported the draft decisions of the World Heritage Centre, and the WHC Committee officially endorsed a unanimous stance, considered highly objective, entirely correct, and exceptionally professional.

“The fact that 90% of the substantive points in the decision on Butrint welcome and support the actions of the state party is very encouraging. The single point expressing regret for the delay in clarifying the boundaries of the World Heritage site reflects the situation at the time the draft decision was prepared,” stated MEKI.

Meanwhile, MEKI has sent the first set of maps to Paris and received preliminary comments from the WHC. The technical working group is diligently following this task, which will be completed according to a schedule agreed upon with UNESCO.

Furthermore, MEKI emphasized that the country’s rapid developments do not tolerate any distraction of attention, energy, or professionalism, not only from MEKI but also from other public institutions, local authorities, researchers, and all cultural heritage partners.

/a.p./