Delegates to the 28th Session of the World Heritage Conference were happy that they have choices to interpretation service in five languages.

It was the first time that the conference offered simultaneous interpretation in five languages: Chinese, English, French, Arab and Spanish. Only English and French were used in the previous sessions.

According to the organizing committee, Oman paid for Arab interpreters. Arab delegates said it was very convenient to listener speak as Arab language was available at the conference.

Andre Matthys, general inspector of heritage of Belgium, said it was worth of mentioning that as we were enjoying services based on modern facilities, Chinese did not lost their traditions. The conference buildings and the landscape of the city all retained ancient Chinese styles, which was the best heritage, he said.

The conference is held annually by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It is the first time for China to host the conference, which is slated from June 28 to July 7.
 
(Xinhua News Agency July 1, 2004)