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 You are in: Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs > Bureau of Public Affairs > Bureau of Public Affairs: Press Relations Office > Press Releases (Other) > 2006 > January 
Media Note
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
January 19, 2006


United States Extends Agreement Protecting Italy's Archaeological Materials Representing the Pre-classical, Classical and Imperial Roman Periods

On January 13, 2006, the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Italy exchanged diplomatic notes extending the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that imposes import restrictions on categories of archaeological material representing Pre-Classical, Classical and Imperial Roman periods of Italy. The MOU, which entered into force January 19, 2001, was extended for an additional five-year period. This extension is consistent with the recommendation of the Cultural Property Advisory Committee.

Under the MOU, certain categories of archaeological material may not enter the United States without appropriate documentation. Italy and United States cooperation in this area falls within the framework of the 1970 UNESCO Convention to reduce pillage of archaeological sites. Reports from the Carabinieri Nucleo Tutela del Patrimonio Artistico (Carabinieri Special Unit for the Protection of Artistic Heritage) and the Italian Ministry of Culture indicate that archaeological looting in Italy remains a severe problem. Much of this looted material is destined for the United States.

The MOU has been especially helpful in enriching American cultural life through research, educational programs and loans between Italian and American institutions. Within the framework of the MOU, a number of loan initiatives promise to bring more Italian artifacts to America for longer terms. The United States is pleased that, pursuant to the MOU, Italy now permits international loans of objects of antiquity for up to four years. Since 2004, the highly successful In Stabiano: Exploring the Ancient Seaside Villas of the Roman Elite has been on a tour to nine American museums, which will end in 2008.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has published in the Federal Register a designated list of the restricted Italian artifacts, including categories of stone, metal, ceramic and glass artifacts, and wall paintings, ranging in date from approximately the 9th century B.C. to the 4th century A.D. This list of categories and an image database are at http://exchanges.state.gov/culprop.

Through special enabling legislation, the U.S. Department of State implements the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property. The Department accepts requests from countries for import restrictions on archaeological or ethnological artifacts, the pillage of which places their national cultural heritage in jeopardy. Under the president's authority, and following a review process, the Department may enter into a cultural property agreement with the requesting country.

2006/64

Released on January 19, 2006

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