US & Republic of Cyprus Extend Agreement to Protect Heritage

United States and Republic of Cyprus Extend Agreement to Protect Archaeological and Ethnological Heritage of Cyprus

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

July 16, 2012

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The U.S. Department of State and the Republic of Cyprus have extended the Memorandum of Understanding that protects the archaeological and ethnological heritage of Cyprus. The agreement, which first entered into force in 2002, is extended for an additional five years effective July 16, 2012. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Phillip H. Gordon and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis exchanged diplomatic notes in Nicosia on July 13, 2012. Continuation of the agreement represents the ongoing commitment of the United States to safeguard Cypriot heritage and provides a basis for ongoing cooperation to reduce further pillage and promote the scientific study of undisturbed sites.

The Department of Homeland Security has published the Designated List of categories of material restricted from importation to the United States from the Republic of Cyprus in the Federal Register. In addition to continuing the restrictions on ancient archaeological remains and Byzantine Period ethnological material, the list was amended to include ecclesiastical and ritual material from the Post-Byzantine period (up to 1850 A.D.).

This extension of the agreement is consistent with the recommendation of the Cultural Property Advisory Committee, which is administered by the Bureau for Educational and Cultural Affairs. For more information visit: https://exchanges.cms.getusinfo.com/heritage/whatsnew.html, or contact Susan Pittman at PittmanSR@state.gov.

ENDS

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