The World Heritage Committee,
1. Having examined Document WHC-08/32.COM/7A,
2. Recalling Decision 31 COM 8B.23 adopted at its 31st session (Christchurch, 2007),
3. Notes with great concern the continuing difficult situation in Iraq and deplores the loss of human lives;
4. Also notes with concern the continued destruction of the archaeological remains, e.g. through vehicular movements and calls upon the State Party to ensure that this is addressed;
5. Encourages the State Party, should the situation allow it, to implement the corrective measures identified:
a) establishment of a local management coordination unit on the site;
b) preparation and implementation of a conservation and management plan;
c) maintenance and emergency conservation activities;
6. Reiterates its request to the State Party to develop, in consultation with the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies, a proposal for the Desired state of conservation for the removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger, for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 33rd session in 2009;
7. Calls upon the international community to assist, in every way possible, the State Party in the protection of this property, with the advice of ICOMOS;
8. Requests the State Party, should the situation allow, to invite a joint World Heritage Centre/ICOMOS Reactive Monitoring mission to Samarra;
9. Also requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2009, a report for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 33rd session in 2009;
10. Decides to retain Samarra Archaeological City (Iraq) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.