Venice may be put on endangered list if cruise ships not banned, says Unesco

The UN heritage agency says the historic centre is in danger if ships are not diverted to another port

The UN art heritage agency has said it would examine a proposal to put Venice on its endangered list if the lagoon city does not issue a permanent ban on cruise ships docking there, according to the Italian news agency Ansa.

Unesco said on Monday it will discuss the issue at its plenary session on July 16-31. If approved, the agency could demand urgent action by the Italian government by next February.