Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05ROME3942
2005-12-01 07:41:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Rome
Cable title:  

EXTENSION OF U.S.-ITALIAN MEMORANDUM OF

Tags:  OEXC SCUL KPAO IT 
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010741Z Dec 05
UNCLAS ROME 003942 

SIPDIS

FOR ECA-A/S POWELL; ECA/P/C KOUROUPAS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OEXC SCUL KPAO IT
SUBJECT: EXTENSION OF U.S.-ITALIAN MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING


UNCLAS ROME 003942

SIPDIS

FOR ECA-A/S POWELL; ECA/P/C KOUROUPAS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OEXC SCUL KPAO IT
SUBJECT: EXTENSION OF U.S.-ITALIAN MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING



1. Mission Italy wholeheartedly endorses the proposed
extension of the U.S. - Italian Memorandum of
Understanding Concerning the Imposition of Import
Restrictions on Categories of Archaeological Material
Representing the Pre-Classical, Classical and Imperial
Roman Periods of Italy, signed on January 19, 2001.


2. The Memorandum's effectiveness is demonstrated by the
heightened awareness by law enforcement authorities in
both countries about looted antiquities and seems to
have resulted in significantly more recoveries by
Italian authorities. In addition, the agreement
provides for long-term loans of archaeological material
from Italy to U.S. museums and academic institutions for
research, cultural, educational, art historical, and
humanistic purposes. As a result of this agreement,
several important exhibitions have been shown in the
United States with the contribution of Italian museums.


3. The Ambassador's November 29 meeting with
Minister for Cultural Assets Buttiglione was almost
entirely taken up with discussion of the
effectiveness of the agreement, the excellent
bilateral cooperation it has produced, and the need
for its timely renewal. Mission Italy strongly
urges that the Memorandum be extended in advance of
its termination date on January 19, 2006 to avoid a
highly undesirable hiatus in the valuable
protection it affords.
SPOGLI