Interpol Makes Recommendations to Recover Aghan and Iraqi Cultural Property

On February 14, 2007, the Interpol Expert Group (IEG) on Stolen Cultural Property issued recommendations on trafficking in and recovery of stolen Afghan and Iraqi cultural property. The IEG took note of the continuing, disastrous looting of world archaeological sites, especially the pillaging of Aghan cultural property and the trafficking of suspected Iraqi cultural property. The IEG recalled the recommendation adopted at its first meeting on February 17, 2004 that UNESCO, with the help of Iraqi museums and scientific institutions, prepare a list of experts and organizations which may be consulted about the origins of archaeological objects seized by law enforcement officials. The IEG noted the increasing use of the Internet to sell cultural property … [more]