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Experts push to restore Syria's war-torn heritage sites, including Roman ruins at Palmyra
Voice of America
An aerial view shows sections of the columns in the ancient city of Palmyra, Syria, Jan. 25, 2025. FILE - An aerial view shows a section of the ancient city of Palmyra, Syria, Jan. 25, 2025. FILE - Experts gather as they discuss the restoration process of the Crusader castle of Crac des Chevaliers, in Homs province, Syria, May 24, 2016. FILE - A makeshift camp of displaced Syrians is seen on Nov. 1, 2020, at Byzantine ruins in a region of northwest Syria called the Dead Cities.
Experts are returning to Syria's war-ravaged heritage sites, hoping to lay the groundwork for restoring them and reviving tourism, which they say could provide a much-needed boost to the country's decimated economy after nearly 14 years of war.
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Candles with the pictures of Pope Francis are seen outside Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, Feb. 19, 2025, where the pontiff has been hospitalized since Feb. 14. FILE - Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrives at The Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris on Feb. 17, 2025. A group of children from a primary school pray for Pope Francis in front of the statue Pope John Paul II outside Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, Feb. 19, 2025. Faithful pray for Pope Francis' health during a Mass in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Feb. 18, 2025.
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A Chinese coast guard ship moves through seas within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone on Jan. 13, 2025. (Philippine Coast Guard via AP) FILE - A Philippine navy helicopter takes off after a military exercise on Nov. 6, 2024, off Loaita island, locally called Kota island, in the disputed South China Sea, Philippines.