This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-36211449

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Russian conductor Valery Gergiev to hold Palmyra concert Russian conductor Valery Gergiev to hold Palmyra concert
(35 minutes later)
A renowned Russian conductor will perform in the ruins of Palmyra in Syria on Thursday, Russian media say.A renowned Russian conductor will perform in the ruins of Palmyra in Syria on Thursday, Russian media say.
Valery Gergiev, who supported Vladimir Putin's presidential run in 2012, will perform at Palmyra's Roman Theatre, Rossiya 24 reported.Valery Gergiev, who supported Vladimir Putin's presidential run in 2012, will perform at Palmyra's Roman Theatre, Rossiya 24 reported.
Syrian forces, backed by Russian air strikes, took back Palmyra from the so-called Islamic State (IS) in March.Syrian forces, backed by Russian air strikes, took back Palmyra from the so-called Islamic State (IS) in March.
Footage posted by IS showed them carrying out killings in the ancient theatre. Last July, IS posted footage online showing some of its fighters carrying out killings in the ancient theatre.
Rossiya 24 said the concert would be broadcast on Russian television later on Thursday.Rossiya 24 said the concert would be broadcast on Russian television later on Thursday.
Palmyra in picturesPalmyra in pictures
Mr Gergiev travelled to Syria with the Symphony Orchestra of St Petersburg's Mariinsky Theatre, where he is artistic director.Mr Gergiev travelled to Syria with the Symphony Orchestra of St Petersburg's Mariinsky Theatre, where he is artistic director.
Mr Gergiev also works as the principal conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra and of the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra. He also works as the principal conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra and of the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra.
In 2014, he backed Mr Putin over the annexation of the Crimea, and in 2008, performed in the capital of Georgia's South Ossetia region when Russia and Georgia were fighting over the territory.In 2014, he backed Mr Putin over the annexation of the Crimea, and in 2008, performed in the capital of Georgia's South Ossetia region when Russia and Georgia were fighting over the territory.
The BBC's Steve Rosenberg in Moscow says the aim of the performance is to show the world that Russia is helping to bring peace and stability to Syria. Analysis: Steve Rosenberg, BBC News, Moscow
But Western officials have criticised the Russian government for not using its influence with President Bashar al-Assad to halt violence in other parts of the country. This is more than just about music.
By organising a concert in the ruins of Palmyra, Russia wants the world to see that it is making a positive contribution in Syria: bringing peace and stability to the country, and, in the case of Palmyra, saving a Unesco heritage site.
Moscow will be hoping that images of its classical musicians in Syria will reinforce the message that Russia is a force for good.
Such a musical message will be well received back home: for months now Russian TV has been assuring viewers Russia's military intervention in Syria has benefited the world by taking on international terrorism.
But Western officials remain suspicious of Russia's intentions. Moscow has faced accusations that it has not done enough to rein in Syrian government forces. The Russians deny that and accuse America of not using its influence with the Syrian opposition to halt the fighting.
Islamic State destroyed a number of monuments during their 10-month occupation of Palmyra and its associated Unesco World Heritage site.Islamic State destroyed a number of monuments during their 10-month occupation of Palmyra and its associated Unesco World Heritage site.
Two 2,000-year-old temples, an arch and funerary towers were left in ruins.Two 2,000-year-old temples, an arch and funerary towers were left in ruins.
The jihadist group, which has also demolished several pre-Islamic sites in neighbouring Iraq, believes that such structures are idolatrous.The jihadist group, which has also demolished several pre-Islamic sites in neighbouring Iraq, believes that such structures are idolatrous.
While some treasured monuments were destroyed, much of the ancient city's ruins are intact. While some treasured monuments were destroyed, much of the ancient city's ruins were unaffected.
Meanwhile, Russia's Victory Day military show in Moscow on 9 May will feature aircraft used in the Syria campaign, Russia's RBK news website reports. They include the Sukhoi Su-35 fighter, a new model combat-tested in Syria.Meanwhile, Russia's Victory Day military show in Moscow on 9 May will feature aircraft used in the Syria campaign, Russia's RBK news website reports. They include the Sukhoi Su-35 fighter, a new model combat-tested in Syria.