"Protect the religious heritage in Europe". It was asked by René Van der Linden, president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. In speaking this morning to the delegates of the Ecumenical Assembly, in Sibiu, he expressed his wish for "an international treaty to protect, both at war and in peace, churches, mosques, synagogues and any other sites that have a spiritual significance". For van der Linden, "religion and religious organisations play a vital role in society. Through their deep respect of the dignity of every man, they are essential to promote peace and justice in the world. I think said the president that politicians must acknowledge all this and strengthen the role of the Churches and the religious organisations in society". Van del Linden also explained that, since "the destruction of religious sites causes deep wounds, aggravates hatreds, fuels conflict and hinders the pursuit of peace, we will start working within the Council of Europe to develop an international system to prevent such crimes ever happening again".
