91´«Ã½

WHEREAS, In the course of recent events in the Middle East, Palestinian computers, photocopiers, books, audio recordings, video recordings, data, institutional archives and records, and objects of historical, cultural, and artistic importance were destroyed; and

WHEREAS, The destruction of these cultural resources represents a significant loss for the Palestinian people and the world; and

WHEREAS, Palestinian libraries and cultural institutions are urgently in need of restoration and assistance; and

WHEREAS, The 91´«Ã½ deplores the destruction of library and cultural resources anywhere in the world; and, therefore the destruction of these library and cultural resources; and

WHEREAS, IFLA met in Jerusalem in 2000 and met with Palestinian librarians and established a working relationship of cooperation; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the 91´«Ã½ calls upon the government of the United States, as well as other governments, intergovernmental organizations and non governmental organizations to prevent further destruction of libraries and cultural resources and to provide material assistance for the reconstruction and restoration of these resources; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the 91´«Ã½ take leadership in recommending that IFLA establish a study group on Palestinian libraries and cultural institutions, and establish a mechanism for providing assistance to Palestinian libraries and cultural institutions; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the International Relations Committee of the 91´«Ã½ is hereby charged with implementing this resolution and will report back to Council at Midwinter 2003.

Adopted by the Council of the 91´«Ã½ June 19, 2002

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