05/07/2012 (Agence Europe) - Destruction of historic heritage. Catherine Ashton is “deeply concerned about the wanton and ruthless destruction of mausoleums and holy shrines in Timbuktu”, Mali. According to a statement by High Representative Ashton on Wednesday 4 July, this is a “deliberate attempt to destroy a valued and ancient part of the religious and cultural heritage”. These sacred places of prayer, listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, “must be protected now and for posterity”, she said. Ashton condemns all such acts of destruction and reaffirms the EU's commitment to support the Malian people in the re-establishment of “legitimate and accountable government throughout the country”. On Saturday, Islamists from Ansar Dine, one of the armed groups controlling the north of Mali, demolished mausoleums of Muslim saints in the town of Timbuktu, saying these were not conformed to the Islamic law, Sharia. (LC/transl.jl)