[MSN] Iranian MP condemned a US federal court ruling that authorizes putting to auction of ancient clay tablets.

[Museum Security Network Mailinglist]

MP Condemns US Court Ruling on Iranian Ancient Tablets 

TEHRAN (Fars News Agency)- An Iranian MP condemned a US federal court ruling
that authorizes putting to auction of ancient clay tablets dating back to
the Achaemenid era, saying that since the artifacts are part of Iran's
national assets the court decision is against international norms and
regulations. 


Eshrat Shayeq told FNA here on Monday that Americans violated the law when
they took the said items out of Iran, "and now they intend to legalize their
aggressive action under the mask of a court ruling." 

She said that the US has already embarked on similar measures against the
cultural and historical heritages of other countries, including Iraq and
Afghanistan. 

The MP said her country expects international organizations, UNESCO in
particular, to adhere to their duties in this regard and return the
aforementioned antiquities to Iran. 

Meantime, Iranian Prosecutor General Qorbanali Dorri Najafabadi on Sunday
condemned a US federal court decision that authorizes putting to auction of
ancient clay tablets dating back to the Achaemenid era, saying the decision
is dreadful and against international norms and regulations. 

The invaluable pieces are relics of the magnificent Persepolis, seat of the
Achaemenid Empire of ancient Persia, and bearing inscriptions in cuneiform,
were smuggled to the US and are to be put up for auction under the court
decision in favor of the survivors of a 1997 bombing of Jerusalem. 

The auction's expected proceeds of US$423.5 million would be paid to Israel.


Najafabadi called on the country's judicial branch to draw up measures to
preserve the inalienable rights of the Iranian nation. 

He said the auction of priceless national assets in order to satisfy the
demand of the Zionist regime is regrettable. 

"Disrespect of the cultural heritage of a nation inflicts spiritual damage
on all individuals and citizens of that given country and should be
investigated," he said. 

"The presence of artifacts from Iran's cultural heritage which showcase the
nation's great civilization at the University of Chicago (where the relics
are currently found) is itself a controversial issue particularly in light
of circumstances pointing to the fact that the ancient artifacts were
submitted to the university in trust," he added. 

He expressed regret that the priceless tablets would be put up for auction
in favor of a regime that is notorious for its crimes and atrocities against
Palestinians. These atrocities are increasing day by day. 

He said the decision to auction the relics would add "another page to the
dark dossier of Zionist terrorism in occupied Palestine, Gaza Strip and
Syria" and noted that the decision comes at a time when the world's
attention is focused on the World Cup and the living victims of the campaign
for democracy and fight against terrorism are forced to remain silent. 

Najafabadi said the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, its judicial
system and prosecutor general's office will seriously defend the inalienable
rights of the Iranian nation with regard to this court ruling and will take
measures to enforce its rights under UNESCO conventions and international
law. 

"We expect the international community, the United Nations and the Untied
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to
fulfill its undertakings with regard to protecting the common heritage of
mankind, the great Iranian nation in particular," he said. 

http://english.farsnews.com/