France calls on Taliban not to destroy Buddha statues

PARIS, Feb 28 (AFP) - France on Wednesday added its voice to international appeals for Afghanistan's ruling Taliban militia to reconsider its decision to destroy two ancient Buddhas and other non-Islamic religious shrines.

"The announcement by Mullah Mohamed Omar, supreme leader of the Taliban, that all pre-Islamic statues would be destroyed is appalling," foreign ministry spokesman Bernard Valero said.

"Carrying through this decision would threaten the artistic pre-Islamic heritage of Afghanistan, of which some pieces, notably the Buddhas of Bamiyan, are part of the world heritage."