During her official visit to Athens, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton paid a visit to the new Acropolis Museum on Sunday, July 17, signing a bilateral agreement with Greek Foreign Minister Stavros Lambrinidis against the illegal trading of cultural artifacts. The Memorandum of Understanding specifically limits the movement of archaeological and Byzantine artifacts from before the fifteenth century AD. Clinton, after signing, assured that the agreement would help preserve Greece's rich heritage by prohibiting any import of artifacts into the United States without a certificate of permission issued by Greek authorities. Additionally, the agreement will serve to promote the diplomatic international exchange of these artifacts for cultural, educational, and scientific endeavors.
The ancient Greek culture is the historical, artistic, philosophical, scientific, literary, and intellectual foundation of Western civilization. In his speech, Greek Foreign Minister Lambrinidis illustrated the strong ties between Greece and the United States, expressing,"we don't simply share policies, but also values; values born here. Let me be so bold as to say, Hillary Clinton, welcome home to Greece." The United States' interest in the preservation of Greek antiquities shows support for both Greece's future and the protection of its past.
SOURCE: Athens News
http://www.athensnews.gr/portal/10/44901
For general information about the new Acropolis Museum, visit
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