Foreign Minister of France issued a statement condemning blasting of Armenian Church in Deir ez-Zor, Syria.

“I condemn the destruction of Holy Martyrs Armenian Church in Deir ez-Zor which is of great importance for the Armenian community. France welcomes the statements of religious leaders about the need for tolerance and respect for the holy sites,” Laurent Fabius said in a statement.

He noted that national heritage in Syria and Iraq is threatened, while negligent attitude towards the duty to protect cultural heritage is seen as a military offense which should be punished by the International Criminal Tribunal.

“Together with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, France supports the implementation of agreements on protection of cultural heritage, especially in the event of armed conflict,” Fabius said.