83 countries sign declaration to preserve Milan

A total of 83 countries have signed a declaration for protection of cultural heritage in Italy's Milan city.

Cultural ministry delegations from the countries signed the declaration on Saturday and expressed "their utmost condemnation of the use of violence against the world's cultural heritage", Xinhua reported.

The Milan declaration appealed to the United Nations (UN) and UNESCO to continue to support the international community in fostering positive communication between different cultures.

Italian Culture Minister Dario Franceschini, who organised this first international conference of ministry delegations from all over the world, announced Italy's intend to set up an international task force to protect the world's cultural heritage in case of terrorist attacks or natural disasters.

"Culture can be an instrument to overcome controversies. We must never underestimate our role and capacity for dialogue," Franceschini said.