Armenia, Greece sign deal on heritage protection

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenia and Greece have signed an agreement to jointly combat illegal excavations and the unlawful import, export, and transfer of ownership of cultural property. The Armenian government has approved the agreement, which aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation in this field.

According to Armenia’s Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, the agreement titled “On the Prevention of Theft, Illegal Excavations, and Unlawful Import, Export, and Ownership Transfer of Cultural Property and Its Restitution to the Country of Origin” represents an important step toward expanding mutually beneficial ties between the two nations, Sputnik Armenia reports.

The agreement mandates measures in line with the 1970 UNESCO Convention, international treaties, and respective national laws.

It also provides for the exchange of information related to the theft, illegal excavation, import, export, transit, or transfer of cultural property, as well as cases of seizure, auctions, and sales of such items.

The agreement includes provisions for expert exchanges and training programs focused on preventing illicit movements and facilitating restitution of cultural property to their country of origin.