Egypt FM warns of suicide groups threats to antiquities

Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Thursday highlighted the threats posed by the terrorist groups that resort to destroy antiquities and terrorize civilians.

Shoukry made the remarks during a conference held in New York under the rubric "Culture Under Threat: Antiquities Trafficking and Terrorist Financing."

The conference was held under the patronage of UNSCO and a number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Shoukry pointed out to the danger of the terrorist Daesh group on the antiquities in Libya.

Shoukry reviewed efforts exerted by Egypt to prevent the smuggling of antiquities and to protect the cultural heritage in Egypt and the Middle East, said spokesman for Foreign Ministry Ahmed Abo Zeid.

The conference tackled ways to prevent the smuggling of and trading in antiquities in conflict-stricken areas in order to curb financing terrorism, Abo Zaid said.