Repatriation of Cultural Treasures to the Republic of Iraq

Media Note – Office of the Spokesperson – Washington, DC – March 13, 2015

Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Evan Ryan will join Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Immigration and Customs Enforcement Sarah Saldaña and Iraqi Ambassador to the United States Lukman Faily on Monday, March 16, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. to repatriate more than 60 items which had been smuggled into the United States.

The return of these items demonstrates the United States’ commitment to cultural preservation and respect for the heritage of other countries. At a time when ISIL is destroying the ancient monuments and artifacts of Iraq’s rich history, the United States continues to work towards preserving its historical legacy for the Iraqi people and for the world. This repatriation comes in the framework of increasing U.S.-Iraq cooperation in matters of cultural heritage preservation under the Agreed Framework Agreement between the two countries.

The repatriation ceremony will be held at the Consulate of Iraq, 1801 P Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. Reporters who wish to cover the event must RSVP toBrandon.A.Montgomery@ice.dhs.gov. Media can arrive at 10 a.m. and be in place no later than 10:30 a.m. Valid media credentials are required to attend.