Experts from Paris and Beirut are prepared to go to the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra to evaluate the damage and make repair plans.

That's what UNESCO delegates told Syrian cultural officials Monday in Damascus, in discussions on restoration.

Palmyra is one of Syria's most important relics of the ancient world. In 1980 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city suffered heavy damaged when it was occupied by the Islamic State group in May 2015.

The delegates introduced the plans, and the Syrian officials welcomed international participation.

"Because there are so many problems to solve and all are urgent matters, UNESCO and sponsors are all prepared. The Syrian experts will be the best candidates after they are trained by the international experts," said Hamed Al-Hammami, director, UNESCO Office in Beirut.

"The broken pieces remain in place. So restoration will be possible. What is more difficult in complex is restoration or rehabilitation of the monuments,"said Cristina Menegazzi, project officer, Observatory of Syrian Cultural Heritage, UNESCO.

"Because for these, it depends on which methodology will be used to do this. That's why I'm saying that there will be a little more time before any action can take place."

"Palmyra needs the help from the international community. It is the responsibility of the entire world because Palmyra is a world heritage and it matters to all mankind. We hope the international community can support the reconstruction of Palmyra no matter whether technically or economically," Syrian Culture Minister Issam Khalil said.