Author Archives: Katti Osorio

20 December 1989

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Dear Friends of Patrimonio Panamá:

The year 1989 was a year marked by dramatic changes and events that marked milestones in human history. Although undoubtedly, countless years in the historical record can be described in the same way, 1989 It was an exceptional year in politics, as cruel and ambiguous.

In 1989, Japanese Emperor Hirohito was succeeded by his son Prince Akihito, as the new Emperor of Japan; Hirohito died the same year. Emperor Hirohito saw the defeat of Japan in the world's only atomic bombing, executed by the United States on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and was the first emperor to declare to his people that it was not of divine origin, as part of the terms of surrender of Japan in World War II. The postwar period of the Second World War led to the Cold War between the world powers. In 1989, Berlin Wall fell; one of the most recognized symbols of the Cold War, and that divided Germany and children in East Germany, under communist ideology, and West Germany, production under capitalist systems. In 1989, Ayatollah Khomeini decreed a fatwa famous for offending Islam against the writer Salman Rushdie for writing and publishing the book, The Satanic Verses, offering three million who killed him. He came up with the slaughter of the Caracazo in Venezuela; Asteroid Asclepius 300 m diameter, passed near our planet nearly twice that distance from the Earth to the Moon, causing fear for its proximity; in 1989 the revolt in Tiananmen Square occurred, that ended in slaughter and state censorship; States called Eastern Bloc Communist regimes under revolutions that took place were the prelude to the fall of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR); dictatorship fell Paraguayan dictator Alfredo Stroessner, which lasted 35 years old; He ended the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet in Chile with the democratic election of President Patricio Aylwin; fell Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife was shot; failed military coup against Moses Giroldi Panamanian dictator Manuel Antonio Noriega…

In 1989, the United States invaded Panama. They bombed various parts of the country and the capital city in an illegal invasion which began the 20 December. Extracted dictator Manuel Antonio Noriega, former employee of the CIA and drug trafficking, and took him to their country. They stopped sworn the winner of the last election slate, whose victory Noriega refused to recognize: Guillermo Endara Galimany, president; Guillermo Ford and Ricardo Arias Calderon, Vice. Some mark them as direct or indirect part in the Invasion of Panama.

My country was invaded by the army of the United States 20 December 1989.

The enormity of the preceding sentence should he become paragraph, in assay, Novel and Book, herself. I was a little girl in 1989, Pre Media still in high school, which at that time was called First Cycle. I was born under the military dictatorship, that began in 1968 with the dictator Boris Martínez, predecessor Omar Torrijos and Manuel Antonio Noriega. All my guesses about what democracy question were somewhat gruesome theoretical issues, he had never seen in practice; was used to alleviate the effects of tear gas white vinegar in a towel, to my parents' salary was paid in worthless government bonds, fear of night shootings, the rolling blackouts of the regime and curfew; the missing; al headless corpse of Hugo Spadafora; to “rabiblancos” and his belief in the shopping paradise of Miami and Disneyworld; fear of people talking loudly or express the slightest discontent; repression. I can not say I understood something, because nobody understood anything. According to my parents, education was the only way to float above the absolute poverty and have decent work; not worth the work itself, but run it with dignity, refusing to make up numbers, reject bribes and compromising not accept gifts. Panamanians had enrolled in paramilitary forces called Dignity Battalions, Codepadis, and other unlikely names whose sole function was chasing with steel rods to spank them. Dually, batallonero could be a PRD, the political arm of the regime. “¡Civilista visto, dead civilian!” It's just a phrase, and trauma. There were checkpoints, police and guards whose mere presence was a threat. Civilian was learned to be the opposite of all that, defined and as brutally clear as right and wrong.

While bombs were falling, Whole neighborhoods were burning in the dark night, especially Chorrillo, where was The Model, the darkest prison regime after Isla Coiba Penal (Today Coiba National Park and World Heritage natural reasons, unhistorical), and I remembered Anne Frank. When we read her diary in class, I never thought I was going to have a direct experience of how she felt in her country at war with itself. Nobody knows for sure how many Panamanians had died that Christmas, in 1989. After that came the looting. First for food were; after, no longer. People ran mad, breaking windows and stealing clothes and brand shoes under the contemptuous and unflinching look gringo soldiers; yes, libraries were the safest place in those moments Panama. My parents taught us that this was shameful and dishonest, and I fully agree. During that time, when we ran out of cans and dry food, My father went to look for food and knew the fear of not knowing if he would return; not abstract as above, bell a real fear, almost physical. The neighbors erected a barricade at the entrance of the neighborhood, but for good or evil in it lived a colonel in the Defence Forces (FFDD), and American soldiers took; a tank of Americans patrolling our street twice a day. My mom us away from windows. We were a country invaded, occupied by a foreign army. In the papers that were reactivated, came a front-page photo of a climb on a tank girl to kiss feast with an invading soldier, under the headline, “Where is his mother?”. It was surreal and strange.

Some cheered the invasion and received U.S. troops with open arms and full pan, and who call release. They took Noriega, but parents also bought, mothers, HIJOS E is. The 20 December is a day of mourning. The dictatorship ended, but I'm not happy the method. It was a sad Christmas. Panama did not deserve that.

Today, I have traveled the world, I speak three languages ​​and have friends in several countries, including the United States. There are wounds that heal, but communication is key for us to understand and we understand. Although in those years the OAS gave back, I believe in the power of a world organized for peace and tolerance.

The image that I bring is the work of Manuel Salvador, talented graphic artist. Kindly let me put it here. It is a dream image, Based on these facts so terrible. The line reminds the burning buildings bombed Chorrillo neighborhood, their dead, their night of agony. I can not add more.

Regards,

Katti Osorio

20-12-1989-Panama mourning.

Image source: Manuel Salvador. http://www.behance.net/MANUELSALVADOR, https://www.facebook.com/TheBluePenProjectByManuelSalvador

A Law for the heroic deeds of the 9 th of January, 1964

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Dear Friends of Patrimonio Panamá:

Next year, precisely on the 9 th of January, 2014, are met 50 years since the events known in Panama as the patriotic deeds of 9 th of January, 1964. This date is crucial in the history of the consolidation of Panamanian identity, in the abolition of the exclusion zone of the Panama Canal formerly known as, “The Canal Zone” thus restoring the country's sovereign integrity, and the transfer of the Panama Canal to Panama. The Citizens Movement for the Strengthening of Panamanian Identity, in which I belong, presented to the National Assembly of Panama a Citizens' Initiative for the 9 January every year, become by Law, the Day of National Sovereignty, with appropriate commemorations. Although the citizen initiative presented went on to become Bill Draft No. 669 of 2013, approved on Third Debate and sent to the President for assent and promulgation over thirty days ago, that has not yet come to pass.

(Edition of automatic translation is in progress) The construction of the Panama Canal, between 1904 and 1914, It was a titanic work. I wish nothing diminish the merits of any of the groups involved in its construction: Americans, afroantillanos, Chinese, Latin, Panamanians, European and other. His life and effort led to the great work. However, the cost to the young republic of Panama, Founded in 1903 even in the economic and human consequences of the devastating War of a Thousand Days, was unusual. The signing of the Hay-Bunau Varilla, also known as the Isthmian Canal Convention, divided into three parts the country, providing a central strip of sea to sea that stretched five miles from the centerline where after the Panama Canal would be located, domain in perpetuity to the United States. In other words, Panama was divided into three pieces, Canal Zone to be the central piece disposed in perpetuity to use and manage U.S.. The Canal Zone was in fact, a colonial enclave in the twentieth century, which was administered to himself outside the Panamanian jurisdiction with its own rules. Inclusive, Panama City, capital of the republic, was cystic but not included within the enclave, although it was subject to its rules (health and construction, for example) for decades. The Canal Zone established a strong segregationist component, where payrolls Gold Roll for “whites”, and Silver Roll, for those “colors” also determined the services, housing facilities and other privileges or lack thereof, for workers in the great work. This included the system of commissaries, with separate entrances for each payroll, and whose supply excluded local merchants (Panama Panamanian-based). European (Greeks, Italian, Spanish and other) They were on the payroll Silver Roll. Some of the Creole elite Panamanian employees in the Canal Zone were on the payroll Gold Roll, no doubt to appease local partners. The Canal Zone maintained its own postal system, passports, license plates and other signs of autonomy, under an American Governor. The Canal Zone legally existed until the second half of the twentieth century.

Returning to 9 th of January, 1964, understandable resentment by ordinary Panama by the existence of the Canal Zone and its apartheid system. Since its inception, Panamanians were upset, even visible in the architecture of the city of Panama, constricted between the Canal Zone and the sea (a corridor for the city expansion was enabled by the second decade of the twentieth century), and which had lost its deepwater port: anchorage of Isla Perico, that became part of the Causeway. The original building of the National Assembly of Panama and the most important school of the time, the National Institute, were built beside the edge of the Canal Zone, a line that became a street called Avenida 4 July, and now known as the Avenue of the Martyrs. During and in the vicinity of this same avenue in the Panamanian side, cabarets and brothels were located, activity prohibited in the Canal Zone and sought by the Americans in such places.

The National Institute is the protagonist of 9 th of January, 1964, although not the only, as this was a popular struggle. The fact is that President John F. Kennedy (E.E.U.U.) y el President Roberto Chiari (Panamá) signed the Agreement in Chiari-Kennedy 1963, which ordered the Panamanian flag hoisted in public places within the Canal Zone, where previously only the American flag was hoisted. In 1964, the governor of the Canal Zone Robert Fleming, and the inhabitants thereof (called zonians), They missed the Chiari-Kennedy Agreement. Students of the National Institute, middle school, peacefully organized to enforce the Agreement Chiari-Kennedy. They informed the Panamanian Foreign Ministry of its intention to go to the Canal Zone, specifically Balboa High School, who was also a high school, to raise the Panamanian flag on the grounds of Balboa High School. Duly authorized, the delegation of students and teachers walking entered the Canal Zone carrying the Panamanian flag used by the National Institute for big feasts, including embroidered national emblem at its center.

The result was an immense tragedy. Now to go against the Administration Building of the Panama Canal, Zonian authorities decreased the size of the delegation to be allowed access to the grounds of Balboa High School (Balboa Highschool). Six students advanced with the Panamanian flag, escorted by police from the Canal Zone. In the grounds of Balboa High School were confronted by Zonian students accompanied by their parents. The Zonian civilians attacked six Panamanian students and tore the Panamanian flag.

This attack sparked the ire of Panamanians. Violence escalated quickly, extendiéndose to Panama, where Panamanians fled assaulted by zonians, their police and finally, the U.S. Army. This invaded Panama City and opened fire on protesters. Quickly other Panamanian groups joined what had become a battle for the defense of Panama, and there was battle in the city of Columbus, terminal homologous inter-oceanic route in the Atlantic Ocean. Panama had no army. Of the dead and wounded, I do not offer numbers, but the Martyrs 9 th of January, 1964 that name Martyrs Avenue twenty-one people were. Among themselves, there were men, women, children.

Panama broke diplomatic relations with the United States of America following the events. The feat of 9 th of January, 1964 opened the way for the signing of the Torrijos-Carter 1967, which allowed the disappearance of the Canal Zone and the reversal of their land to Panama, nationalization of the Panama Canal, and the dismantling of the U.S. military bases not only in the Canal Zone, but in different areas of the country.

To further explore the events on 9 th of January, 1964, I offer you this link to an article written by historians Celestino Araúz and Patricia Pizzurno: The 9 th of January, 1964. A simple search on Google should bing up for you many more sources. This link on Slideshare (click here) is educational material for the classroom, presented by Professor of International Affairs Briseis Allard Olmos, of the University of Panama. The cover of LIFE, who reviewed the events in its issue of 24 th of January, 1964, I turned it over to the world. Although the U.S. approach insisted that it was unjustified brawls, and even promoted by communists, due to pressure on the Organization of American States (OAS), opened the door to reconciliation between Panama and the United States of America, agreeing that included renegotiating the Panama Canal treaties. In these negotiations the Panamanian diplomat shone, Ambassador representative of Panama to the OAS, licensed Miguel J. Moreno Jr., until the Moreno-Bunker Statement 12 March 1964. U.S. President Lyndon Johnson opposed the declaration, overruling its ambassador to plead against accepting conditions for negotiating with Panama and noted that there was still no talks between the presidents of both countries (Arauz and Pizzurno 1996: 473). Panama remained strong according to Moreno-Bunker Statement, bringing another round of negotiations that culminated in a Joint Declaration signed by Miguel began J. Moreno Jr. y Ellsworth Bunker en Washington, on the 3 th of April, 1964, agreeing to restore diplomatic relations, designate special ambassadors to resolve the causes of conflict, and that they would begin their work immediately to reach a fair and equitable agreement for both countries. This was the door that once opened, allowed the negotiations over the next decade led to the negotiation of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties and the return of the Canal Zone and to Panamanian jurisdiction. The Araúz and Pizzurno historians refer extensively to interventions Moreno in his book, Studies Panama Republican (Arauz and Pizzurno 1996: 467-475).

LIFE magazine, 24 th of January, 1964

Home iconic LIFE magazine, 24 th of January, 1964. Source: Internet.

Despite the extraordinary importance of the harrowing events that I have described very briefly, on the 9 January, although it was declared National Mourning Day by Act No. 13 of 30 th of January, 1967, is not adequately celebrated in their proper perspective, as are other dates. Many see this inexcusable neglect the fear of offending the United States, that is one of the major trading partners of Panama, and whose influence has continued to feel, to the ends of the Panama Invasion 20 December 1989 (Operation Just Cause) it took by force the entire country to extract Manuel Antonio Noriega, emplanillado former Panamanian dictator and drug trafficker CIA, now imprisoned in the prison of La Joya. To rectify this omission, the Citizens Movement for Strengthening Identity Panamanian labor provided by Dr. Ana Elena Porras to the National Assembly, a citizens' initiative for the purpose of stating the 9 January Sovereignty Day, it can not be said bridge day, to ensure that the memory historical date, on the 9 January I celebrated it mandatory in both public offices and schools by either debates, conferences, murals, essay contests, oratorical and artistic exhibitions.

The citizen initiative was presented to the National Assembly on 12 July 2013. He went on to become the No Bill. 27 of 12 July 2013, declaring 9 January each year Day of National Sovereignty, subrogated Law 13 of 30 th of January, 1967, and amending Article 46 Labour Code, prohijado by the Education Commission, Culture and Sports, of the National Assembly. The 21 October 2013, Bill said No. 27 was referred to the President of the National Assembly to be subjected to First Debate. The Draft Law No. 27 became the Bill Project Number. 669 of 21 October 2013, declaring 9 January each year Day of National Sovereignty, subrogated Law 13 of 30 th of January, 1967, and amending Article 46 Labour Code. It was approved in First, Second and Third Debate, the latter 23 October 2013.

The following images show the text adopted in Third Debate in the National Assembly, and waiting to be signed by the President of the Republic of Panama, and promulgated in the Official Gazette of Panama. It covers only as law from its enactment. So far today, Wednesday 18 December 2013, President of Panama, Ricardo Martinelli B., has not enacted the text signed in Digital Official Gazette of Panama.

Bill Project Number. 669 de 2013. Page 1 de of

Bill Project Number. 669 de2013. Page 1 of 2. Source: National assembly.

Bill Project Number. 669 de2013. Page 2 of 2.

Bill Project Number. 669 de2013. Page 2 of 2. Source: National assembly.

I conclude this entry Heritage Panama with the names of the Martyrs 9 th of January, 1964.

Ascanio Arosemena
Ezequiel Gonzalez Meneses
Estanislao Orobie
Victor Manuel Iglesias
Gonzalo Crance Robles
Teofilo de la Torre
Alberto Oriol, Jr.
Rodolfo Benítez Sánchez
Victor Manuel Garibaldo
Ricardo Murga
Rosa Elena Landecho
Maritza Alabarca
Rogelio Lara
Jacinto Palacios Cobos
Vicente Bonilla
Jorge Enrique Gil
Constant Nicolas Alberto
José del Cid
Lizardo Saldaña Haven
Renato Lara
Celestino Villareta.

Peace to the tombs of heroes, that honor their memory alive.

Regards,

Katti Osorio
——-
Note:
The text of the Bill not. 669 of 2013, your scanned image by the National Assembly, and all its related information are public and freely accessible on the website of the National Assembly of Panama.

References
1. National Assembly of Panama
2013 Bill Project Number. 669 of 21 October – declaring 9 January each year Day of National Sovereignty, subrogated Law 13 of 30 th of January, 1967, and amending Article 46 Labour Code. Labour Legislativa / Projects. Electronic document, http://www.asamblea.gob.pa/, Viewed in December 2013.
2. Araúz, Celestino and Patricia Pizzurno
1996 Studies Panama Republican (1903 – 1989). First Edition. Manfer, S.A., Colombia.

Other sources used:
3. Panama Canal Authority
1999 Treaties between Panama and the United States. In, Nationality Library Collection Flight. 8.
4. Goodin, Melva Lowe de
2012 African descent in the Isthmus of Panama 1501 – 2012. Society of Friends of West Indian Museum of Panama (SAMAAP), Panamá.
5. Newton, Velma
1995 Men's Silver Roll – West Indian Migration to Panama 1850-1914. Society of Friends of West Indian Museum of Panama (SAMAAP), Panamá.
6. Osorio, Katti
2010 Research on timber frame buildings in Panama City, Part 1: A tailored image of national heritage and its influence on conservation. Journal of Architecture and Planning (Transactions of AIJ) Flight. 75 (2010) Not. 650 pp. 989-995

Wall of Heroes, painted a second time by the Kolectivo (Updated to 15 December 2013)

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Updated at 15 December:

Are 25 No days for anniversary. 50 the achievement of 9 th of January, 1964. The Kolectivo The group held meetings on 10 and 11 December with the general director of the National Institute of Culture, who invited them in order to mediate the controversial mural. The proposal of the Director General was rejected by the group of artists, as it included not paint the controversial wall, fences but that would be built for that purpose.

It was aggravating to the argument that just days before, an allusive mural to the deed of 9 th of January, 1964 painted on the Avenue of the Martyrs by a guest artist for this occasion of the Biennale Panama, was also covered with gray paint by authorities.

Odeith, Biennial South. Source: The Kolectivo

Odeith, Biennial South. Source: The Kolectivo

The work was removed by the authorities in a piece of graffiti artist Portuguese Odeith, who was invited to the Biennial South in Panama in April 2013, and participation was funded by the Mayor of Panama. The work commemorating the heroic deeds of 9 th of January, 1964 with a composition designed and executed by Odeith occasion of the Biennale in South, and was inexplicably covered with gray paint by the authorities in the wake of the controversy over the mural of The Kolectivo on same street.

Click here to see the work completed at the time of, web page Odeith.

Another work of The Kolectivo was also, removed.

Mural painted by El Kolectivo, erased.

The mural was painted by El Kolectivo in January 2013, and blotted with gray paint by authorities in December 2013. Source: The Kolectivo.

 

Updated at 8 December:

Are 31 days for the arrival of No.50 Anniversary of the patriotic deeds of 9 th of January, 1964. This Week, The Kolectivo tried again to paint the mural commemorating the feat in the scene, The Avenue of the Martyrs. Units from doing police work, to citizen disapproval. He assured that Kolectivo will return to intentarlo. Here I bring a television news on this intent, filmed by HISPANTV – Nexo Latino:

Click this link to view the news in video.

Additionally, I bring you this video of La Prensa:

Updated at 30 November:

Now with more colors, The mural becomes Kolectivo. I find that they have upgraded with new colors. The photograph, taken from the The Facebook page Kolectivo, data yesterday 30 November.

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Photo of the mural before being cleared by the Ministry of Public Works:

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For more information on what the mural is and why it is being painted for the second time, look at this blog entry entitled, Patrimonio Panama | Urban art and historical memory: Wall of Heroes, covered with gray paint

The Historic District of Panama and Criterion (vi) of Outstanding Universal Value

Panamanian tribes

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Dear Friends of Patrimonio Panama:

Up to this date, Panama has under inscription on UNESCO's World Heritage List, the property “Archaeological Site of Panama Viejo and Historic District of Panama.” Casco Antiguo is another name for the Historic District of Panama City, as it is known in Spanish language. In order to enter the World Heritage List(1), As State Party to the World Heritage Convention, Panama justified to the World Heritage Committee of Unesco, that the property holds outstanding universal value, by means of demonstrating that the property meets the necessary requirements, which include meeting at least one of the ten criteria of outstanding universal value. The property in its two components, Casco Antiguo + Panama Viejo, met criteria (ii), (iv) and (vi). The criteria nomenclature is written in lowercase Roman numerals.

Each criterion of outstanding universal value has a theoretical basis, that supports them. I would like to showcase the sixth criterion (vi) of outstanding universal value, justified for the Archaeological Site of Panama Viejo and Historic District of Panama. I selected criterion (vi) because today is a special day: It is Panama's Independence from Spain (and affiliation to Colombia) on the 28 of November, 1821. At that date, Simón Bolívar El Libertador wrote a few congratulating lines to General Jose de Fabrega in occasion of the independence of the Isthmus of Panama. These lines were precursory to the Amphictyonic Congress of Panama, which is the basis of the Panamanian justification for criterion (vi) to the World Heritage Committee on the inscription of the Historic District of Panama on the World Heritage List in 1997. Before examining the letter, let us see the criterion (vi) of outstanding universal value for the Archaeological Site of Panama Viejo and Historic District of Panama:

Current Version: Decision 37 COM 8E, Retrospective Statement of Outstanding Universal Value

Criterion (vi): The ruins of Panama Viejo are closely linked to the European discovery of the Pacific Ocean, the history of Spanish expansion in the Isthmus of Central America and in Andean South America, the African diaspora, the history of piracy and proxy war, the bullion lifeline to Europe, the spread of European culture in the region and the commerce network between the Americas and Europe. The Salón Bolívar is associated with Simón Bolívar's visionary attempt 1826 to establish a multinational congress in the Americas, preceding the Organization of American States and the United Nations. (UNOFFICIAL translation by the author)

In my paper, “The Attributes of Outstanding Universal Value of a property considered World Heritage – The case of the Archaeological Site of Panama Viejo and Historic District of Panama”, I made an analysis on the justification for the criteria of outstanding universal value presented by Panama that achieved the registration of the property in two stages as previously mentioned, in 1997 and 2003. I referred to each of the three criteria justified by Panama in regards to both components of the property: these are, The Historic District of Panama, and the Archaeological Site of Panama Viejo, identifying their corresponding attributes, where I pointed out in the case of criterion (vi) for the Historic District of Panama:

Criterion (vi) relates directly to the geopolitical importance of the strategic position of Panama City, from its foundation and relocation to the present day. The criterion is thus justified, based on the Bolivarian idea of making Panama the venue for the Amphictyonic Congress of Panama, considering Panama to be the logical place from the standpoint of strategy and geopolitics, in the vision of a free America, in a position to discuss as equals with European powers and the new nations in the North American continent, to achieve global balance. Even, the idea and the Congress itself, are precursors of international organizations with similar goals (the United Nations, and the Organization of American States, among others). Without the geopolitical importance attributed to Panama City by Simón Bolívar El Libertador, the Amphictyonic Congress of Panama would not have taken place there. Thus, criterion (vi) is more based on the idea of a ​​congress of nations seeking a world balance, than on the ruins of Salón Bolívar itself, which is credited with being the room that hosted the Congress. The ruins are the physical attribute of the space that hosted the idea.

The attributes present in the justification of criterion (vi) are: the Salón Bolívar (at Bolívar Palace, headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs); and the maritime character of the city of Panama, main part of its geopolitical importance as a strategic point for inter-oceanic communications, and terminal of international trade routes. (Osorio 2012: 14-15)

I would like to draw your attention to the Bolivarian idea of ​​making Panama the venue for the Amphictyonic Congress. In his famous Letter from Jamaica (as translated by Lewis Betrand in, Selected Writings from Bolivar. New York: The Colonial Press, 1951), Bolivar made reference to the Isthmus of Panama three times, first, referring to the Isthmus as possible capital city, after Mexico, of the New World, made into a great republic, and described the Isthmus of Panama as “… Let us assume it were to be the Isthmus of Panama, the most central point for all of this vast continent…” (Bolívar 1967: 38). In his second allusion to the Isthmus of Panama, he points out: “The states of the Isthmus of Panama as far as Guatemala, will perhaps form a confederation. Because of their magnificent position between two mighty oceans, they may in time become the emporium of the world, Their canals will shorten distances throughout the world, strengthen commercial ties between Europe, America and Asia, and bring to that happy area tribute of the four quarters of the globe. There some day, perhaps, the capital of the world may be located - reminiscent of the Emperor Constantine's claim that Byzantium was the capital of the ancient world!” (Bolívar 1967: 42-43). Noting the great difficulties in maintaining peace in the newly founded territories and the impossibility to consolidate them into a single, mighty republic, he makes reference to Panama for the third time, saying: “How beautiful it would be if the Isthmus of Panama could be for us what the Isthmus of Corinth was for the Greeks! Would to God that someday we may have the good fortune to convene there an august assembly of representatives of republics, kingdoms and empires to deliberate upon the high interests of peace and war, with the nations of the other three quarters of the globe.” (Bolívar 1967: 47).

The thoughts on Bolivar's mind concerning the Isthmus of Panama, embodied in his Letter from Jamaica 1815 addressed to an English gentleman in Kingston, Jamaica, was focused on the geopolitical importance of the geographic position of the Isthmus of Panama. He enthusiastically described the Isthmus of Panama, as a central point for all the Americas; assures that the Isthmus of Panama would become the emporium of the world thanks to its privileged interoceanic communications, including future canals; and that the Isthmus of Panama would strengthen commercial ties between Europe, the Americas and Asia; and he even goes as far as to give it the capital of the globe; Bolívar then reinforces the thought by equating the Isthmus of Panama to the Isthmus of Corinth and saying that Panama would be venue for a future world congress of republics, kingdoms and empires.

Perusing over documents on the internet related to present date November 28th, I found a transcription of the letter El Libertador Simón Bolívar addressed to General José de Fábrega on February 1st 1822, on the occasion of the independence of Panama from Spain. The letter to General Fábrega, back then still a colonel, was written seven years after the Letter of Jamaica; seven years during which the idea of ​​a congress of nations remained brewing on El Libertador's mind..

I took the liberty to transcribe (and translate) the letter, as follows. I used bold letters to enhance some of the text, to highlight those terms that showcase the special interest Bolívar had on the case of Panama.

Headquarters at Popayán, 1February 1st, 1822 - 12º

TO MISTER COLONEL JOSÉ DE FÁBREGA,
GOVERNOR COMMANDER GENERAL
OF THE PROVINCE OF PANAMA.

Mister Colonel:

Yet without having had the satisfaction of receiving the dispatch that. you. have been kind enough to address to me, I hasten to congratulate the distinguished province that. you. have the glory of presiding over. I cannot fully express the feelings of joy and wonder I have experienced upon learning that Panamá, the center of the universe, is regenerated by her own volition, and free by her own virtue. The Act of Independence of Panama, is the most glorious monument that any American province may offer to History. Everything is consulted there, in regards to justice, generosity, politics and general interest.

Do convey on my behalf. you. to those meritorious Colombians, the tribute of my enthusiasm for their pure patriotism and true generosity. Without delay, a part of the army of Colombia, under the command of Colonel Carreño, must have secured already the fate of that precious emporium of commerce and exchange of the world. I have also ordered a second army corps of a 1.000 more men, enter to replace those same troops I now request from their commander to come and join us to cooperate to the freedom of Quito. Thus you. Colonel Fábrega. shall make every effort to ensure that these orders are carried out to their full effect. I trust completely that you. you. shall give all the assistance within your power to ensure that these troops may depart immediately with all the elements necessary for their transport and operations, due to embark for the coast of Esmeraldas and Guayaquil under the command of whomever leader gets appointed to them by Colonel Carreño: and embarking on the transports and warships that may be procured eventfully at the Isthmus ports or on the warships that may be expressly sent for that purpose from Guayaquil. Thus you. Mister, Colonel, are hereby appointed by me as governor commander general of the province of Panama, and Mister Colonel Carreño and should remain in command in that military department, as head, of politics and military, in charge of operations against Veraguas, or any other point occupied by the Spanish armies on the borders of Colombia. Mister Colonel Carreño shall receive from the department of Magdalena and the capital of Bogotá as much support as needed for the defense od the work you have so. you. initiated. I reiterate to you. you. expression of sincere gratitude, with which I accepted on behalf of Colombia the services that you. you. and that generous people have done to thus complete, the scope that Providence and Nature had designed to our mighty republic. May God keep you. you. long and many years.

BOLÍVAR.

To Bolivar, Panama was the center of the universe; probably, a geopolitical universe built upon vast communication networks. Four years later, he held in Panama City his long-awaited congress…. but, in what conditions was Panama City when it hosted the Amphictyonic Congress of Panama 1826?

A quick look at two cartographic references may show us Panama City at the time of the of Amphictyonic Congress of Panama 1826: Map of Panama in 1814, and the map of Panama in 1850. Both maps show the city in ruins, with more than 30% of its occupation area marked as uncultivated land, in ruins, or covered with bushes 1850, in better off conditions than in 1814.

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Figure 1. Plan of the Plaza de Panama, chorographic Map of the New Kingdom of Granada, by Vicente Talledo y Rivera, 1814 (Tejeira 2009: 40)

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Figure 2. Map of Panama in 1859, by H. Tiedemann (Spadafora 2001: 37).

Concluding remarks

Panama City was far from being an affluent city in 1826, the city was under a slow economic period and had a less than attractive appearance. Nonetheless, Simón Bolívar El Libertador was convinced about the geopolitical importance of the geographic position of the Isthmus of Panama, as shown in his Letter from Jamaica 1815, and his letter to General José de Fábrega in 1822. Bolívar summoned kingdoms, republics and empires to the Amphictyonic Congress of Panama in 1826. Regardless of its outcome, the Amphictyonic Congress of Panama in 1826 was a milestone in world history and it is precursor of current leagues of nations such as the United Nations, and the Organization of American States. This would not have come to happen if El Libertador had not been fully convinced of the importance of Panama as a communications hub, with great potential for locating a canal, and to become a commercial emporium accessible throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. The sea was a vital element for the realization of this dream, and Panama with its important port connections, would fulfill an extraordinary role for the joint progress, “to our mighty republic” (Bolívar 2013). The room where the Amphictyonic Congress presumably took place, identified as the refectory of the convent of San Francisco, was restored in the early 2000. This is the space that housed the idea; the room's existence with all its ideological associations and interpretation of its wider setting give justification to the criterion (vi) of outstanding universal value, in accordance to the integrity of its attributes.

As I noted in a previous work, “To maintain the validity of Criterion (vi) the preservation of the elements that outline the strategic position of Panama City should be taken into account: its marine environment, access and communication with the sea (being a maritime city since 1519 and kept in its second phase from 1673), and its access and communication by land” (Osorio 2012: 22). This is, because of the geopolitical importance of the geographic position of the Old Town of Panama which cannot be understood without the sea that gives access to its port and environs., surrounding the peninsula where the Historic District was built.

As a final consideration, quote the Article 10 of Law Nº. 16 of 22 of May 2007:

"The institutions of the State shall ensure that the Historic Monuments Groups of Panamá Viejo and Casco Antiguo of the City of Panamá shall maintain their historic relationship, their visual contact and immediate access to the Pacific Ocean, and, accordingly, shall preserve their marine environment, which is part of the integral value of both Groups".

Regards,

Katti Osorio

o——o——o——o
References

Bolívar, Simón (2013) Letter addressed to Mr. Coronel José De Fabrega Gobernardor Commanding General of the Province of Panama, Headquarters at Popayán, 1° of February 1822. University of Los Andes, Venezuela.

Bolívar, Simón (1967) Letter from Jamaica. Publishing House of Culture. Miranda State Government, Venezuela.

Osorio, Katti (2012) The Attributes of Outstanding Universal Value of a property considered World Heritage – The case of the Archaeological Site of Panama Viejo and Historic District of Panama. Canto Rodado, 7 (7). pp. 1-27. ISSN 1818-2917 [Article]

Tejeira Davis, Eduardo (2009) In Panama 1814: city plans of Vicente Talledo y Rivera. Canto Rodado, 4 (4). pp. 37-74. ISSN 1818-2917 [Article]

Spadafora, Vanessa; Tejeira Davis, Eduardo (2001) El Casco Antiguo de Panama. 2 vols. City-City, Bilbao.

Notes:

(1) The property, “Archaeological Site of Panama Viejo and Historic District of Panama” was inscribed as such on the World Heritage List in two stages. In 1997, the World Heritage Committee inscribed the equivalent part of the Historic Old Town Set Monumental City Panama delimited by Law No. 91 of 22 December 1976, under the name “Historic District of Panama with the Salon Bolivar” (Casco Antiguo de Panamá con el Salón Bolívar). Later on, without changing the boundaries of the Historic District of Panama, which continued to correspond to those declared by Law 91 of 22 December 1976, the Archaeological Site of Panama Viejo was inscribed as an extension of the Historic District, according to their boundary delineated by the same Law, and the name of the property was changed to its current name. Thus was settled the World Heritage property, “Archaeological Site of Panama Viejo and Historic District of Panama.”

8th Let's Talk About Heritage Session: Heritage and Identities

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Dear friends:

Again I am writing to invite you to participate in the initiative, Let's Talk About Heritage Sessions. The theme of the Eighth Let's Talk About Heritage Session is, Heritage and Identities.

The aim of the Let's Talk About Heritage Sessions is simple: It is, to create awareness in the general public, alleviating the lack of knowledge around issues of culture and heritage. For this, our Let's Talk About Heritage Committee coordinates monthly events, open to the general public for free; Featured panelists present on different topics, at venues related to culture and heritage.

The aim of the Eighth Let's Talk About Heritage Session, “Heritage and Identities”, is to share with you all approaches to the role of heritage in the construction of our “identities”. Do you want to know more? Come join us for this interesting Let's Talk About Heritage Session!

To reflect on heritage and identities with the valuable participation of all of you, we are sponsored by the Patronato Panama Viejo, University of Panama through the Research Centre of the Faculty of Humanities (CIFHU), National Library of Panama Ernesto J. Castillero, City of Knowledge, and the Let's Talk About Heritage Committee, in which I belong. The Let's Talk About Heritage Session, “Heritage and Identities”, will take place on Monday 25 of November, 2013 at 6:30 p.m., in the Manuel Octavio Sisnett Hall, at the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Panama. Admission is free; reservation is not needed. Invite as many people as you wish, as always, All shall be welcome!

This time we have the participation of Professor Francisco A. Herrera, who will talk about a historical problem: the crossroads between national identity and cultural identities. Professor Ana Elena Porras Guizado will tell us about the metaphors of the National State in Panama, between 1990 and 2002. Professor Fernando Aparicio will accompany us as the moderator. You will find attached to this post the front and back of the invitation card, with details about the talks, and short biography of our lecturers, and of our moderator.

Admission is free; you are very cordially invited. Come and listen, ask, find out about a thousand interesting things; come with us and let's talk about heritage again.

Best Regards,

Katti Osorio Ugarte
Let's Talk About Heritage Committee
jornadtoshtoblandmosdepatr,enimonio@gmaithe.com

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Urban art and historical memory: Wall of Heroes, covered with gray paint

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Dear Friends of Patrimonio Panama:

This week took place in Panama City one of the many contradictions regarding culture, heritage and patriotism that occur in the country every year. It turns out that in Panama there is a group called El Kolectivo, which brings artists, young of mind and sometimes young of body, poets and others. On their Facebook page, The Kolectivo defines itself this way: “El Kolectivo is a citizen movement, horizontal, nonpartisan, autonomous and independent, created by the will of its members, incorporating art as a means of expression to address social, cultural, ecological, economic and political issues of the country” (Panamá). It turns out that El Kolectivo painted a mural on the street called Avenue of the Martyrs(1) in Panama City, in homage to the Panamanian patriots, some still children, who died in defense of the homeland and in whose honor the name was changed to its current street name. Urban art in its pure and free expression, loaded with meaning and challenge to voluntary oblivion, the mural painted by El Kolectivo did last some time until public servants armed with paint rollers, meaningfully grey, painted it over till erasing it.

That's what happened.

I found out about this through the following email:

“The 22 of November, 2013 14:10, Aris Rodriguez Mariota <torisrm21@gmail.com> wrote:
On behalf of El Kolectivo we denounce the unfortunate news that the Government proceeded to remove the mural in homage to the history of the Panamanian people and to the Martyrs 9 January that we had been working on throughout the year 2013 on the way to the 50 year anniversary of the epic, with great effort and voluntary sacrifice and self-management. Indignation, rage, sadness envelop us to see trampled our effort to save our historical memory but we shall be back stronger and eager to defend it. We should be thankful if you echo this denouncement. We shall need everyone's support. El Kolectivo is on the struggle! Art, Culture and Awareness!

I have attached to this email photos of the mural, before and after.”

I have placed the photos that came attached to a mail, at the end of this blog entry. So, why did I get that email? I am a member of a very motley citizen group called Citizens Movement for Strengthening Panamanian Identity, including history professors, anthropologists, poets, architects, writers, artisans, and a much greater variety of occupations, professional and nonprofessional, whose common base is the love of culture and historical memory of all that we call Panama. The manner in which the current government has handled all that we love scared us enough to make us form this citizen movement. We write, speak, and spread cultural issues as best we can. We are not a political party, nor anything similar (You may read here our Manifesto, from the newspaper La Estrella de Panama's server). El Kolectivo is part of our membership in a voluntary and free manner.

Our main thrust has been precisely, to foster recognition for the tragedy of 9 th of January, 1964 in Panama. We have achieved that a draft Law of the Republic was passed, thanks to the efforts of Dr. Ana Elena Porras, a driving force of our Movement. This is the Bill Project Number. 669 of 2013. The bill project, if approved by the Legislature, not be Law of the Republic until the president of the Republic of Panama to sign and publish in the Official Gazette, a thing that has not happened yet. If this last step is achieved, on the 9 January will be a day of national mourning, it will get official commemoration, and will never will be bridge day(2). In short, In its mural, El Kolectivo was commemorating that date and its fallen heroes.

With permission of the illustrious Panamanian writer Manuel Orestes Nieto, awarded this year's top literary prize in Panama, Ricardo Miró Prize, I share here his reply to the message of The Kolectivo:

“A muralist work, of public exhibition, with a sense of memory, placed at the location where the events took place 9 January, expressing gratitude and homage to the national epic that marked the definitive road to the end of colonialism in Panama, to integrate the homeland, attain sovereign independence and take possession of what is now the Panama Canal, it is worthy of applause and recognition; precisely because of its content to exalt the historical fact and to be on the making for a whole year to be completed on the fiftieth anniversary of the events of 1964.

From the government of barbarism and rapine, of autocracy and imposition, it crosses the line into the abominable: to wipe out the right of citizens to express and to manifest the deep feelings of the soul of the nation. By suppressing the message of national pride and nobility there was painted, it castrates the freedom of art and of its plastic creators to transmit affection and respect, to recall heroics and exult them. Erasing the historical account of popular calling embodied in this mural so that it could be seen by everyone who pass by the historic avenue, where the martyrs are still alive and their blood on the streets, betrays the bowels and insensitivity of the regime and its contempt for the country.”

Manuel Orestes Nieto.

Here are the photos:

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Greetings to all,

Katti Osorio

(1) Regarding day 9 th of January, 1964, I offer you this link to an article written by historians Celestino Araúz and Patricia Pizzurno: The 9 th of January, 1964. A simple search on Google should bing up for you many more sources. This link on Slideshare (click here) is educational material for the classroom, presented by Professor of International Affairs Briseis Allard Olmos, of the University of Panama.

(2) Bridge Day: Strange Panamanian practice, in which if one day is a national holiday, let it be Panama's Independence from Spain, the Separation of Panama from Colombia, or such other date declared day-off holiday by law of the Republic, that day will go as a normal, work day and the day-off is assigned to the following Monday, creating a “longer weekend”. The bridge days are established each time by executive decree.

Update Notice, Monday 25 November: Thanks to Aris Rodriguez Mariota El Kolectivo, Here are photos of the mural as it was to be terminated, and during processing:

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New layout and adjustments

Status

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Work in Progress

Dear friends of Patrimonio Panamá,

Welcome to our new layout; now the website has a more comfortable mobile phone interface, and that is indeed, a nice improvement. However, the English translations of some blog entries have reverted to the automatic translation output. We are working to fix the English version of our blog entries. Thanks for your understanding.

Let's Talk About Heritage VII Session: Intangible Heritage

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Dear friends:

Again I am writing to invite you to participate in the initiative, Let's Talk About Heritage Sessions. The theme of the Seventh Day is Heritage Talk, Intangible Heritage.

The aim of the Let's Talk About Heritage Sessions is simple: It is, to create awareness in the general public, alleviating the lack of knowledge around issues of culture and heritage. For this, our Let's Talk About Heritage Committee coordinates monthly events, open to the general public for free; Featured panelists present on different topics, at venues related to culture and heritage.

The objective of the Seventh Day Talk of Heritage, “Intangible Heritage”, is to share with you all approaches to the intangible cultural heritage from an international perspective to the national vision, with a case study that will be familiar and beloved. We'll traditions, vivid expressions that we inherited from our grandparents, craftsmanship, folklore and more.

To reflect on the valuable heritage with the participation of all of you, we are sponsored by the Patronato Panama Viejo, University of Panama through the Research Centre of the Faculty of Humanities (CIFHU), National Library of Panama Ernesto J. Castillero, City of Knowledge, and the Let's Talk About Heritage Committee, in which I belong. The Let's Talk About Heritage Session: Intangible Heritage, will take place on Wednesday 30 October 2013 at 6:30 p.m., in the Multipurpose Room, on the second floor of the National Library Ernesto J. Castillero; it is in the Parque Recreativo Omar, of San Francisco, Panama City. Admission is free; reservation is not needed. Invite as many people as you wish, as always, All shall be welcome!

On this occasion we had the participation of Professor Krishna Camarena, who will speak on intangible heritage from the international, referring to the concepts and scope of the UNESCO Convention on Intangible Heritage; we also have the participation of Professor Dolores Pérez Cordero, who will refer to the intangible cultural heritage at the national level, specifically to their challenges and opportunities. The accompanying Professor Marcela Camargo Rivers, we talk about history, creativity and heritage captured in Painted Hat, Panamanian intangible heritage. Professor Marcela Camargo Rivers will be both, our moderator. You will find attached to this post the front and back of the invitation card, with details about the talks, and short biography of each of our exhibitors, and our moderator.

Admission is free; you are very cordially invited. Come and listen, ask, find out about a thousand interesting things; come with us and let's talk about heritage again.

Best Regards,

Katti Osorio Ugarte
Let's Talk About Heritage Committee
jornadashabtheemthedepatr,enimonio@gmail.com

Front of invitation card

Front of invitation card

Reverse invitation card

Reverse invitation card

Canal de YouTube, “Heritage Panama”

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Friends, I announce with joy the opening of the Panama Canal Heritage YouTube.

The aim of the Panama Canal Heritage YouTube is put at its disposal a range of lists (playlists) Videos related to heritage and culture, especially Panama. In the future we will have some videos themselves.

Hitherto, The following lists are:

  • Random in Panama / Panama at random. It's a list of interesting videos, Panama related to generally.
  • Panamanian Culture / Panamanian culture. It is a list of related videos to culture in Panama, ethnically diverse, human groups and indigenous cultural expressions that represent various aspects of Panama as a country.
  • Historic Sites in Panama / Historic sites in Panama. Contains videos showing historic sites Panamanians, sights, monumental, parks, squares and other related to Panamanian history.
  • Historic district of Panama / Casco Antiguo of Panama. Videos that show aspects of the Old Town of the City of Panama and thus document changes in it over time.
  • Great vids related to cultural heritage / Related Videos wonderful al cultural heritage. This list is a bit irreverent; contains Videos (as you find them) with unconventional views on cultural heritage, fun music and artistic expressions (and some not so funny).
  • Natural heritage in Panama / Natural heritage in Panama. Videos about nature in Panama and beauty.
  • UNESCO and World Heritage / UNESCO and world heritage. List of educational topics generated by UNESCO, or related to protected sites under the World Heritage Convention 1972 (UNESCO).

To access the Panama Canal Heritage on YouTube, press the button:

Panama Heritage on YouTube

Historic Panama Canal YouTube
Historic Panama YouTube Channel

I hope you enjoy my selection of videos, PatrimonioPanama.com and some videos that go slowly adding in the future.

As always, Thanks for your visit.

State of Conservation Information System Update

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Cinta Costera 3 from the promenade General. Esteban Huertas

Cinta Costera 3 from the promenade General. Esteban Huertas

This Week, the World Heritage Centre has updated once again data regarding the Panamanian property inscribed on the World Heritage List, “Archaeological Site of Panama Viejo and Historic District of Panama”, in order to include under the property's entry all decisions made by the World Heritage Committee about the delicate situation of said property, with emphasis on the Historic District (Casco Antiguo) of Panama City.

They are two Decisions:

1. Decision 37COM 7B.100
Archaeological Site of Panama Viejo and Historic District of Panama (Panama) (C 790bis)

This decision, previously discussed in another article in this blog (click here to read the article), refers primarily to the impact the maritime viaduct Cinta Costera 3 has exerted on the value to the world as cultural heritage of the Historic District of Panama (outstanding universal value). This Decision gives a deadline to Panama until Panamanian post-election year (specifically, until 1 February 2015) for submit to consideration by the World Heritage Committee a significant modification to the boundaries of the property “Archaeological Site of Panama Viejo and Historic District of Panama” that would allowit to justify a revision of the Outstanding Universal Value of the property; without forgetting that the Cinta Costera 3 modified in an irreversible manner the relationship of the historic center with its wider setting (See points 5 and 6 of Decision 37 COM 7B.100). Although the property includes Panama Viejo and the Historic District (Casco Antiguo), is the latter that receives the emphasis of this Decision.

Link to the updated entry (in English) on the website of the World Heritage Centre, http://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/5019.

Decision 37 COM 7B.100 is listed in the Information System of State of Conservation (SOC) under the following themes: Credibility of the World Heritage List, inscriptions on the World Heritage List, and Outstanding Universal Value.

The wider setting to which the decision refers includes the sea and the network of relationships between the sea, the port city of Panama, and its terrestrial connections, which are described in the following decision.

2. 37COM 8E

Adoption of Retrospective Statements of Outstanding Universal Value

The Decision 37 COM 8E adopts the Retrospective Statements of Outstanding Universal Value, including on its list the “Archaeological Site of Panama Viejo and Historic District of Panama”. The text adopted by this Decision is on the website of the World Heritage Centre of UNESCO, under this link, under the title, OUTSTANDING UNIVERSAL VALUE: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/790 /

Allow me to provide you with an unofficial translation, here: Retrospective Statement of Outstanding Universal Value to the Archaeological Site of Panama Viejo and Historic District of Panama (UNOFFICIAL translation). It describes that the city was founded following the discovery of the Southern Sea; that the city was a first class imperial outpost; which was relocated after the fire of 1671, that the city was built on a peninsula; that said peninsula was chosen because it could be fortified in order to prevent enemy access by sea; that the city grew in importance by means of the imperial bullion route; that the city was a strategic location within the geopolitical dynamics in the heyday of Spanish imperial power; including its geopolitical importance recognized by Simon Bolivar, and other revealing aspects of the vital and unavoidable relationship of Panama City with the sea.

The deepwater port of Panama was located at Perico Island (one of the three islands at the entrance of the Panama Canal, where the Americans built a causeway that connects them to the mainland in order to protect the Panama Canal entrance), and its interaction with the port city was via boats and ships smaller in size; the Royal Court and the Royal Houses (they were located where now stands the Presidency of the Republic) were within the walls of Panama.

A revealing preamble to Decision 37 COM 7B.100 may be seen in the State of Conservation report prepared by the World Heritage Centre for consideration by the World Heritage Committee at its Session 37 COM of year 2013 (Click here, for the text in English; Click here, for the text in Spanish) . In the fourth paragraph under “Conclusions”, the report reads as follows:

“The World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies underscore the negative visual impacts of the Maritime Viaduct that will adversely impact on and transform the setting of the Historic Centre. They further note that , the Maritime Viaduct is a structure of a very strong shape (.) with a high visual impact which does not integrate harmoniously with the Historic District and establishes an undesirable contrast with regard to its maritime context. They consider that the ability of the property to convey its Outstanding Universal Value, as a fortified settlement in a Peninsula and as a testimony to the nature of the early settlements, with a layout and urban design adapted to a particular context, are being adversely compromised. The urban layout and scale and the relationship between the city and its setting, attributes crucial to the understanding of the evolution of the property, will also be adversely impacted.”

I provide below a picture showing the property before and after the construction of Cinta Costera maritime viaduct 3, featuring Google Earth's satellite photographs.

 

Cinta Costera Phase 3 Maritime Viaduct

Cinta Costera Phase 3 Maritime Viaduct

Note:

Thanks to the transparency policies of UNESCO and its World Heritage Centre, all documents cited in this article of the Blog, Patrimonio Panamá are public information of open access for all around the world from UNESCO websites, and by means of the State of Conservation Information System (SOC), open to the public from 2012 (Click here to see related news: http://whc.unesco.org/en/news/962/).