Bill on Historical Textures Underway

Three articles of the scheme to support the preservation and revitalization of historical textures and empower cultural heritage property owners have been reviewed and approved by Majlis Cultural Commission.  The general principles of the bill were approved by the parliament in August and the commission is now reviewing the details.  According to Morteza Shokouhi, director for parliamentary affairs at Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization, the plan was proposed by lawmakers for including it in the comprehensive cultural heritage and tourism bill, CHTN reported.  The official explained that since the government alone could not provide sufficient funds for the restoration of historical sites, the plan was designed to engage various organizations to fill the financial gap in safeguarding the sites. "The proposal particularly involves municipalities and envisions incentives for the private sector to enter the field of cultural heritage preservation," Shokouhi said. After gaining the approval of relevant Majlis commissions, the plan will be put to a vote in a Majlis open session.