[CPProt.net] Bawazir admits failures to protect antiquities, states new strategy

[Museum Security Network / Cultural Property Protection Net (Ton Cremers)]

Bawazir admits failures to protect antiquities, states new strategy 
By Khalil Al-Buraihi
Mar 31, 2005 - Vol.VIII Issue 13 
SANA'A - The president of the General Organization for Antiquities & Museums
(GOAM) has admitted considerable failures on the part of the agency and a
lack of a system to monitor archaeological issues.

In a press conference held at the House of Culture in Sana'a, Dr. Abdullah
Bawazir called for GOAM to be given extended powers to oversee fact-finding
investigations at all points of entry and exit to Yemen.

Bawazir announced a new strategy to protect antiquities and combat theft,
smuggling and illegal digging. A special police unit will replace existing
guards at archaeological sites and museums, guards who he described as not
performing their roles adequately. Others have put down this poor
performance to the low wages they receive, a claim refuted by Bawazir who
said they earn up to 15,000 rials despite only working part-time and having
other sources of income.

Further developments include the fencing of sites, increased cooperation
with Interpol and the assignment of antiquity specialists to monitor ports
and other points of exit. An attorney general will also be appointed for the
task of overseeing antiquities and museums.

Bawazir went on to unveil plans for a complete field survey of
archaeological sites and the establishment of an electronic network to
connect all the organization's offices in the various governorates.

Despite returning a 60-million rial surplus in last year's budget, Bawazir
said that the organization lacks the necessary finances. He explained the
surplus as due to a lack of cooperation and proper coordination between
financial officers.

The organization has recently scored a number of notable successes in
retrieving artifacts from Bahrain, Great Britain and other countries.
Several smuggling rings have been uncovered.

Bawazir highlighted the need for greater awareness among all areas of the
community and called on the media to make their contribution. He described
those who deal in artifacts as "selling the soul of their country."

Forgery has also become a problem. Forgers of antiquities were described as
skilled and creative and easily able to deceive their targets, wealthy
people and tourists. 

The attorney general of the organization, Ali Abdul-Razak, admitted failures
in the law of antiquities and museums protection. The law was modified in
1997 but is still seen as requiring further reform. The reward for
submitting an artifact to the authorities is in no way comparable to the
financial gains from selling pieces on.

Abdul-Razak said that the organization respects the judicial verdict over
the Yemeni smuggler arrested in Oman. The Iraqi smuggler who escaped prison
was described as released under legal warranty. The case is still being
pursued. He was confident that the Iraqi smuggler and the Jordanian, Samir
Jarallah, would be brought to justice.

In describing the UNESCO agreement of 1994 as incomplete, Abdul-Razak said
that it doesn't cover unregistered artifacts, which make up the majority of
smuggled pieces. It is difficult to prove rights of possession of
unregistered artifacts and therefore retrieve them.

A mobile antiquities exhibition that travels from country to country and is
currently in Sicily will move on next to Washington, DC, where it will stay
for three to four months. An offer to host the exhibition has also been
received from Canada.



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Yemen Observer Newspaper  

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