The Director-General of UNESCO Irina Bokova has urged the people of Libya and all those involved in the international art and antiquities trade to protect the country's cultural heritage through the period of transition as the rebels force has controlled the most part of the country.

"The heritage of a nation is essential to the ability of its citizens to preserve their identity and self-esteem, to profit from their diversity and their history and build themselves a better future," Bokova was quoted in a statement issued Thursday by the Paris-based UN cultural branch.

Calling all Libyans, the neighbouring countries and all those involved in art and antiquities trade to jointly protect Libya's invaluable cultural heritage, the UNESCO chief said she has "contacted those countries and underscored the importance of the fight against the illicit trafficking and illegal export of cultural property" during "social upheaval" .

According to Bokova, UNESCO would like to help assess the situation of Libya's five World Heritage sites and make plans to better protect these sites if possible.

Libya now has five cultural and natural sites enrolled in the UNESCO World Heritage List. They are Archaeological Site of Cyrene (1982), Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna (1982) , Archaeological Site of Sabratha (1982), Old Town of Ghadames (1986) and Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus (1985).

Libyan rebels have entered the capital Tripoli last weekend after months of civil war started early this year. With the support of coalition operation by western military, the rebels advanced fast and claimed the control of the majority of the country, but their fights against pro-Gaddafi regime are continuing as Libyan strongman Moummar Gaddafi refused to surrender and vowed to hold out.

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