[CPProt.net] EUs criticized for trading Iranian stolen artifacts

[MSN CPPnet (Ton Cremers)]

EUs criticized for trading Iranian stolen artifacts
 
Source:Iranmania 

LONDON, December 2 (IranMania) - An Iranian official criticized European
officials for ignoring the trade of stolen Iranian artifacts in European
markets.

Head of Iran's Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization (ICHTO) Esfandiar
Rahim-Moshaie made the remark in a meeting with the director of Louvre
Museum, Henri Loyrette, IRNA reported. 

Rahim-Moshaie also said important centers such as Louvre Museum are expected
to be careful while dealing with distortion of historical documents.

According to Le Figaro and Le Parisien dailies issued late 2004, a number of
valuable Iranian ancient objects dating back to thousands of years ago were
exchanged in European markets, including that of Paris, secretly.

Turning to an invaluable Iranian vase smuggled into France, Figaro said, 'On
February 26, 2003, it was purchased by Louvre Museum from an antique store
in Paris. The artifact unearthed in the historical area of Jiroft dated back
to 3,000 BC. Besides, several other Iranian artifacts discovered at Jiroft
were traded among the French owners of antique objects from June to November
2003.'

The Iranian official also criticized some of the world research centers for
referring to the Persian Gulf by an odd name.

'Such major scientific and research institutes as Louvre Museum are expected
to be careful about employing fake words when referring to the historical
name of the Persian Gulf,' he added.

Rahim-Moshaie, however, expressed satisfaction over the joint steps taken by
the French and Iranian museums for arranging an exhibition titled 'Iran in
Safavid Era' marking the glory of the government during the period. 

The same exhibition dubbed 'Forgotten Empire: the World of Ancient Persia'
is currently underway at London's British Museum.

He also declared Iran's support for the request of Louvre Museum for
arranging an exhibition to be dubbed 'Iran in Achaemenid Era' in Paris in
2008. 

Rahim-Moshaie welcomed Loyrette's proposal for holding a special exposition
on Iranian artifacts at Tehran's National Museum and said given the
scientific status of this museum, the officials in charge of Louvre Museum
can support the research projects that help expand cooperation between the
two countries.

Friday, December 02, 2005 - C2005 IranMania.com