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UNESCO tours dig

By · February 28, 2007

U.N. experts began inspections of a controversial Israeli dig in Jerusalem. Four representatives of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization on Wednesday visited the Western Wall Plaza in Jerusalem’s Old City, where Israeli archaeologists have spent several weeks scouring for artifacts ahead of planned restoration work on a walkway leading to the Temple Mount. Muslim leaders have accused Israel of trying to undermine two major mosques on the Mount, which Israel adamantly denies. Arab leaders often use such claims to incite their followers against the Jewish state. Israel’s Antiquities Authority said the UNESCO visit was meant to allay Muslim concerns. UNESCO, which is expected to continue its inspections Thursday, had no immediate comment.

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