On 7 August, the Italian Presidency issued on behalf of the EU the following declaration in which it "expresses its satisfaction at the inclusion of the ancient cultural site of Bagan on the World Heritage Tentative List. The EU is however very concerned at the decision by the Burmese Authorities that an observation tower is being built at Bagan and at the implications for Bagan's heritage status. The EU underlines that such a building would be contrary to accepted international standards on the preservation of sites of historical importance. In light of the potential effect of this project on Bagan, the EU calls upon the Burmese Authorities to consider the consequences of the construction of this tower for the cultural heritage of Burma".