§ Lord Renfrew of Kaimsthornasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Bach on 26 March (WA 81), whether they have issued any guidance for military and other personnel as to specific archaeological sites and museums in Iraq which particularly need protection in the present conflict; and whether they have drawn upon the expertise of British specialists in the history and archaeology of Iraq in compiling such guidance. [HL2396]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Bach)United Kingdom forces have been issued with guidance which reflects paragraph 53 of Additional Protocol 1 of the Geneva Conventions.
We have taken advice from a wide range of sources in drawing up a list of cultural property inside Iraq. Unless such property is used to support military effort, coalition forces will not attack historical, archaeological and cultural heritage sites.
In addition, coalition forces are taking every precaution to respect and avoid damage to holy sites.