Attacks on minority communities in strife-torn Middle Eastern nations are a threat to pluralism and stability in the region, according to the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Jan Eliasson also said the destruction of ancient sites in Iraq and Syria by terrorist groups like ISIL is a crime against humanity that must be viewed within the context of international peace and security.

Mr Eliasson was in Paris for the International Conference on the Protection of Victims of Ethnic and Religious Violence in the Middle East.

May Yaacoub caught up with Mr Eliasson and began by asking about his message to the conference.

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