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Mr Matsuura referred to the wave of indignation raised by the destruction of Afghanistan s pre-Islamic heritage, stressing that this general mobilization in favour of cultural heritage has transcended the boundaries between nationalities and religion . He also highlighted the fact that many Moslem states refused to see their religion associated to this fanatical gesture. He said that his coming visit to Pakistan next week will be an opportunity to take action to this effect. The opening of a special account for the safeguard of Afghanistan s cultural heritage should furnish supplementary resources for this purpose. To contend with such traffic, outlawed by the 1970 Convention, steps are being taken with the support of the Swiss authorities and the Hirayama Foundation, to regain possession of endangered Afghan goods and place them in safe-keeping until they can be returned to Afghanistan.