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EU lawmakers seek help to preserve Syria, Iraq mass graves

BRUSSELS – European Union lawmakers want help to preserve 72 mass graves in Syria and Iraq documented by The Associated Press so the evidence can be used to bring Islamic State group members to trial.

Romanian Socialist lawmaker Victor Bostinaru said Tuesday that “the preservation of this evidence is today of utmost importance.”

His Austrian colleague Josef Weidenholzer said time is pressing because the grave sites are only roughly covered and exposed to dogs and the weather.

He said “the longer we wait, the less that will remain of the graves and of the evidence. It is important to make European support available.”

In the most comprehensive survey so far, AP has documented and mapped 72 mass graves. Thousands may be buried but some sites are in territory too dangerous to excavate.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
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The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.