Former US VP Mike Pence plans 2024 campaign launch next week
(Corrects polling date to Wednesday and number in Republican field to more than 10 in fourth paragraph) By Steve Holland
2023-06-01 06:16
Unesco adds two locations in war-ravaged Ukraine on its list of historic sites in danger
The UN's World Heritage Committee has placed two major historical sites in Ukraine on its list of such sites that it considers to be in danger. The iconic Saint Sophia Cathedral in the capital, Kyiv, and the medieval center of the western city of Lviv, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites central to Ukraine's culture and history. The decision announced on Friday to put those two on the body's list of sites “in danger” has no enforcement mechanism, but could help deter Russian attacks. Neither site has been directly targeted since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, and Lviv has largely been spared from the fighting. But Russia has unleashed waves of strikes on Kyiv and other cities, hitting residential areas and critical infrastructure with Iranian-made attack drones. The decision was taken at the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee, which is being held in Saudi Arabia. The committee maintains UNESCO's World Heritage List and oversees conservation of the sites. The gold-domed Saint Sophia Cathedral, located in the heart of Kyiv, was built in the 11th century and designed to rival the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. The monument to Byzantine art contains the biggest collection of mosaics and frescoes from that period, and is surrounded by monastic buildings dating back to the 17th century. The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, also known as the Monastery of the Caves, is a sprawling complex of monasteries and churches — some underground — that were built from the 11th to the 19th century. Some of the churches are connected by a labyrinthine complex of caves spanning more than 600 meters (2,000 feet). The two sites on the Dnipro River, a 15-minute drive from one another, are “a masterpiece of human creative genius," according to Unesco, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The other site is the historic center of Lviv, near the Polish border. A 5th-century castle overlooks streets and squares built between the 13th and 17th centuries. The site includes a synagogue as well as Orthodox, Armenian and Catholic religious buildings, reflecting the city's diversity. “In its urban fabric and its architecture, Lviv is an outstanding example of the fusion of the architectural and artistic traditions of Eastern Europe with those of Italy and Germany,” Unesco said. “The political and commercial role of Lviv attracted to it a number of ethnic groups with different cultural and religious traditions.” Lviv is more than 500km from Kyiv and even further from any front lines, but it has not been spared. Russian cruise missiles slammed into an apartment block in the city in July, killing at least six people and wounding dozens. Unesco added Ukraine's Black Sea port city of Odesa to its list of endangered heritage sites in January. Russian forces have launched multiple artillery attacks and airstrikes on the city, a cultural hub known for its 19th-century architecture. Russia says it only strikes military targets. Under the 1972 Unesco convention, ratified by both Ukraine and Russia, signatories undertake to “assist in the protection of the listed sites” and are “obliged to refrain from taking any deliberate measures” that might damage World Heritage sites. Inclusion on the List of World Heritage in Danger is meant to rally urgent international support for conservation efforts. The list includes more than 50 sites around the world. Read More Ukraine-Russia war – live: ‘Significant losses’ for Putin’s forces as Kyiv retakes village and attacks ships Ukraine recaptures another village from Putin’s forces – as it keeps up attacks on Russia’s ships Putin meets the leader of Belarus, who suggests joining Russia's move to boost ties with North Korea Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide
2023-09-16 14:49
'You take that light away from a family and it's devastating': Loved ones mourn loss of 15-year-old Shadrach Hall-Turner
Shadrach was born in October 2007 in Washington state. When his parents started struggling with addiction, a loving and close-knit network of extended family members stepped in to help care for Shadrach. Now, that village is devastated.
2023-10-13 18:15
Indiana fires offensive coordinator following 27-point loss to unbeaten Maryland
Indiana Hoosiers coach Tom Allen has fired offensive coordinator Walt Bell
2023-10-02 02:46
United States media guide
An overview of the media in the United States, including links to broadcasters and newspapers.
2023-06-20 17:15
Analysis-China's bad first half gets investors hopeful and interested
By Jason Xue and Tom Westbrook China's disappointing first half has the economy ripe for some help, and
2023-07-19 15:46
Who is Claud? Paul Rudd appears in fan’s music video after meeting them at Taylor Swift concert
Claud said in the video that Paul Rudd 'was so nice about it and he gave me his email and was like, 'Send it to me. I'd love to hear your album'
2023-07-17 19:23
Tony Awards 2023: How to watch Broadway's big night
The 2023 Tony Awards, which honor theatrical productions and performances, will take place Sunday at the United Palace Theater in New York City.
2023-06-11 20:57
Belgium is celebrating flowers and surrealism. And nothing is what it seems
Belgium has a century-old fling with surrealism and is always proud to flaunt it
2023-08-11 22:19
Yi Gang Ends PBOC Governor Tenure Marked by Restrained Policy
Yi Gang ends a five-year tenure at the helm of China’s central bank that’s been marked by a
2023-07-26 16:18
Chemours, DuPont, Corteva reach $110 million 'forever chemicals' Ohio settlement
Chemours, Dupont De Nemours and Corteva have reached a settlement agreement with the U.S. state of Ohio for
2023-11-29 20:20
Netherlands keen to avoid Sweden in World Cup knockouts
Netherlands coach Andries Jonker wants to avoid Sweden in the Women's World Cup last 16 but warned his side against taking Vietnam lightly in their...
2023-07-31 13:27
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