Syria recovers antiquities smuggled into the UK

Havana, Sep 13 (RHC) Syrian cultural authorities announced today the recovery of antiquities that had been looted, smuggled and found in the British Museum in the United Kingdom.

According to what was published by the Ministry of Culture on its website, this return was achieved thanks to the mediation and efforts of the National Museum of the Sultanate of Oman, which managed the recovery of these valuable pieces dating from the mid-4th century with origins in the city of Nawa, in the south of Syria.

In a speech delivered by videoconference during an event organized for this purpose at the Syrian diplomatic headquarters in Muscat, the minister of the field, Lubana Mashouh, expressed recognition and gratitude to the Omani entities that participated in the process of recovery and transportation of the antiquities from Britain.

Mashouh revealed that thousands of objects stolen from archaeological sites by saboteurs and smugglers in areas under terrorist control were returned thanks to Oman. She said that this act has its own symbolism, since it is a victory of civilization over backwardness, and it is an achievement achieved thanks to efforts made for years and driven by human and cultural consciousness and value.

In turn, the Syrian ambassador to that Persian Gulf nation, Idris Maya, expressed his gratitude to the leaders and people of Oman for this initiative, and considered that it reflects his great interest in human heritage in general and heritage.

In a statement to the press, the head of the Department of Antiquities and Museums, Nazir Awad, said that these antiquities had been smuggled abroad years ago and were found in Britain.

Syria has more than 16 thousand ancient sites, located particularly in the north and on both banks of the Euphrates River, several of which are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. (Source: PL)