US, Cyprus move to curb antiquity theft
WASHINGTON (AFP) – The United States yesterday imposed sweeping restrictions on the import of archaeological relics from Cyprus in a bid to protect the island’s heritage. The restrictions, which came into force with their publication in the Federal Register, stem from an agreement requested by Cyprus that was signed on Tuesday, the State Department said in a statement. «There is a long history of documented pillage of archaeological sites in Cyprus, including evidence of current pillage,» the department said. «(This) offers the opportunity for the US and Cyprus to cooperate in reducing the incentive for further pillage, thereby protecting the context of intact sites for scientific study,» it added. Many items are now allowed to enter the US only with appropriate documentation. [Cases of pillaging in the Turkish-occupied north of the island have been reported since the 1974 invasion.]
