USCBS News

Issued by the Society of American Archivists (SAA) and the Association of Canadian Archivists (ACA) , April 22, 2008

The Society of American Archivists (SAA) and the Association of Canadian Archivists (ACA) are deeply concerned about the whereabouts, current custody, and ultimate fate of records captured or otherwise obtained by the United States of America, and those removed by private parties, during the first and second Gulf Wars. SAA is the world’s largest organization of archivists, comprising more than 5,100 members from around the globe. ACA represents 600 archivists from Canada and internationally. Archivists are professionals who are engaged in identifying, preserving, and making accessible the historical and governmental manuscripts and records that document the cultural patrimony and political accountability of localities and nations.

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New York Times article

June 10, 2008

Compiled by BEN SISARIO

A cache of ancient artifacts stolen from the National Museum of Iraq during the American-led invasion in 2003 were returned to Iraq’s Antiquities Ministry on Monday in a ceremony in Baghdad, Reuters reported. The items, 11 cylinder seals made from agate and alabaster between 3,000 and 2,000 B.C., were found in Philadelphia last month by American customs officials and turned over to the Iraqi embassy in Washington, a spokesman for the ministry said. Thousands of pieces were looted after the 2003 invasion, and Iraqi officials have blamed the pilfering on smugglers and occupying troops. The National Museum said that 15,000 items were stolen and that up to 6,000 have been returned. In April, Syria returned more than 700 stolen artifacts seized by its customs officers. “This is only the start,” Hoshyar Zebari, Iraq’s foreign minister, said of the cylinders’ return. “We hope to return more of these pieces in the near future.” The National Museum remains closed to the public because of its poor condition and a lack of security.