Mount Fuji given World Heritage Site status June 23, 2013 - 16:33 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Japan's most iconic landmark, Mount Fuji, has been named as a World Heritage site, Belfast Telegraph reported. The 3,776m (12,460ft) mountain has deep cultural and religious meaning in Japan. Thousands of residents in towns around the mountain watched the Unesco vote live on large screens in public halls and cheered when the result was announced. A committee of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation selected it in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. More than 960 sites around the world are on the Unesco list, which recognizes places that are considered to be of exceptional beauty or cultural value. Another world-famous mountain was put on the list earlier this week: Italy's Mount Etna, known especially for its volcanic activity. China's Xinjiang Tianshan, part of Central Asia's Tianshan mountain system, was also honored. Another mountainous area designated a heritage site was Tajik National Park, whose landscapes of alpine lakes and glacial fields cover 18% of Tajikistan. Africa's Namibia had one of its natural wonders put on the list for the first time, with the selection of the Namib Sand Sea, described by Unesco as "the only coastal desert in the world that includes extensive dune fields influenced by fog". El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve in Mexico was picked for its diverse landscape, and also boasts impressive archaeological holdings.   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty  Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty.Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza.Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations.Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |
