Syria can restore Palmyra in five years: Official

Syria’s director general of antiquities and museums says the country can restore the ruins of ancient city of Palmyra, which were damaged by the ISIL Takfiri terrorists, in five years.

"If we have UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation)'s approval, we will need five years to restore the structures damaged or destroyed by IS (Daesh)," Ma’amoun Abdulkarim said on Monday.

He noted that Syria has qualified experts and knowledge in the field and that his department can start the restoration of the structures in a year.

"Eighty percent of the ruins are in good shape. My expert colleagues arrive today in Palmyra. I have asked them to assess the stones and the old city. They are taking pictures of the damage and documenting everything, and then the restoration can begin," Abdulkarim added.

His remarks came a day after Syrian forces liberated Palmyra in the west-central Homs Province, inflicting heavy losses on Daesh terrorists.

SS