| Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC July 19, 2002 U.S. Protects Pre-Classical and Classical Archaeological Material from CyprusOn July 16, 2002, the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to protect Pre-Classical and Classical archaeological material. Ambassador Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis signed for Cyprus and Ambassador B. Lynn Pascoe, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, signed for the U. S. Department of State. The Cultural Property Advisory Committee, administered by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau for Educational and Cultural Affairs, recommended this agreement. The imposition of import restrictions on certain categories of archaeological material by the United States reflects our strong commitment to safeguarding Cypriot antiquities. Moreover, this action fulfills a Government of Cyprus request under Article 9 of the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export, and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property. Restricted items may still enter the U.S. with appropriate export documentation. Cypriot culture is among the oldest in the Mediterranean. Its rich archaeological heritage illustrates the interaction of the island’s inhabitants with neighboring societies, while maintaining a uniquely Cypriot character. Much of the history of the island from the 8th millennium B.C. to approximately 330 A.D. can be understood only from archaeological remains, as historical texts are very rare. There is a long history of documented pillage of archaeological sites in Cyprus, including evidence of current pillage; such activity jeopardizes the ability of archaeologists and historians to reconstruct Cypriot culture. The MOU offers the opportunity for the U.S. and Cyprus to cooperate in reducing the incentive for further pillage, thereby protecting the context of intact sites for scientific study. Restricted categories of objects include ceramic vessels, sculpture, and inscriptions; stone vessels, sculpture, architectural elements, seals, amulets, inscriptions, stelae, and mosaics; metal vessels, stands, sculpture, and personal objects dating from approximately the 8th millennium B.C. to approximately 330 A.D. On July 19, a designated list of restricted categories was published in the Federal Register by the U.S. Customs Service of the Department of the Treasury and, along with illustrations, is also available at http://exchanges.state.gov/culprop. For additional information, contact Nicole Deaner, Public Affairs Specialist, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, (202) 203-7613. |
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