The Algerian Prime Minister Abdulaziz Belkhadem opened here today the Extraordinary Conference of Arab Culture Ministers which will last for two days with the participation of 20 Arab countries. The Saudi delegation to the conference was led by the Minister of Culture and Information Iyad bin Ameen Madani. During the opening session, the Algerian Prime Minister delivered a speech in which he asserted the need for concerted Arab efforts in order to protect their cultural heritage and maintain their antiquities which reflects an important aspect of Arab identity. "It is unreasonable that Arab stay on the sidelines of history by registering a total of 60 archaeological Arab sites in the list of World Heritage, while the Arab world is rich in nearly 850 archaeological sites," he added. In this context, Belkhadem pointed out to the Judaization and distortion plans implemented in Al-Quds as well as stealing thousands of artifacts from Baghdad Museum. He also called for exerting more effort and providing appropriate atmosphere for Arab scientists and ARCHEOLOGISTS so that they perform their duty as regards preserving the cultural heritage. The opening session was attended by the Director General of the Arab Organization for Education, Culture and Science, Dr. Al-Mongi Bosnainah; the Director General of the Islamic Organization for Education, Culture and Science; Dr. Abdulaziz bin Othman Al-Tawaijeri; representative of the Secretary General of the Arab League; cultural and archeological experts from all Arab countries; and Arab ambassadors accredited to Algeria.