[MSN] Iran's stolen artifacts belong to all world nations: Khatami

[Museum Security Network Mailinglist]

Iran's stolen artifacts belong to all world nations: Khatami
Tehran, Sept 5, IRNA

Iran-Khatami-Mud tablets
Former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami said Monday in Chicago that cultural objects stolen from Iran should not be made a victim of political games.

"These artifacts are not only part of the history and
civilization of the Iranian nation but also belong to all mankind," he said during a visit to the University of Chicago museum which have been entrusted with the priceless historical tablets belonging to the Achaemenid era.

The cultural heritage objects cannot be bought or sold, he said, adding that these invaluable pieces are not tradeable.

"These objects do not belong to governments but to the Iranian nation and the world," Khatami, who is the chairman of the International Center for Dialogue among Cultures and Civilizations, said.

Khatami further underlined the need to resist moves to deprive Iran of its priceless heritage and to safeguard these for posterity.

The tablets, which bear cuneiform inscriptions, had been entrusted to the University of Chicago for study and deciphering.

For his part, the chairman of the museum expressed hope research and studies being conducted on the tablets would soon be finished and the tablets returned to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The tablets are relics of the magnificent Persepolis, seat of the Achaemenid Empire of ancient Persia. They were entrusted to the University of Chicago's Oriental Institute for study and deciphering of their cuneiform inscriptions.

Meanwhile, the director of The British Museum, Neil MacGregor, here on Monday voiced his readiness to help in returning the stolen cultural objects which are now sought to be auctioned by a US federal court order. 

http://www.irna.ir/en/news/view/line-16/0609055154130036.htm