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Cyprus is intensifying its efforts to combat the illegal excavation, trafficking, and sale of its antiquities, especially in the Turkish-occupied territories. The country’s Deputy Minister of Culture, Vasiliki Kassianidou, outlined these efforts during her address at the "Cooperation for Resilience" conference in Ukraine on February 1.
Dr. Kassianidou, who was invited by Ukraine's Minister of Culture and Information Policy, Mykola Tochytskyi, attended the conference held in the city of Uzhhorod. Along with EU officials, including EU Commissioner for Culture, Sports, and Youth Glenn Micallef, she discussed how culture can play a vital role in building resilience, fostering regional development, and promoting social cohesion, particularly in times of crisis.
The conference also highlighted Ukraine's ongoing struggles, with officials detailing the destruction, looting, and loss of cultural heritage caused by the war. Ukraine is making efforts to protect its cultural assets, an issue that resonated deeply with Kassianidou, who highlighted the impact of the 1974 Turkish invasion and ongoing occupation of Cyprus on its cultural heritage.
In her speech during the session on combating illegal trafficking of cultural property, Dr. Kassianidou stressed the urgency of acting against the rising illegal trade of antiquities, particularly through online platforms. She pointed out that despite Cyprus’s legislative efforts, the international trade in stolen antiquities has grown, with online sales expanding the market for illicit artifacts.
Cyprus has been working through international treaties and collaborations to combat the illegal trade of its cultural heritage. Kassianidou encouraged countries to sign the Nicosia Convention, the only international agreement specifically focused on criminalizing the destruction and trafficking of cultural property. The treaty offers a comprehensive approach to international cooperation, aimed at preventing the illicit trade of cultural artifacts and safeguarding cultural heritage globally.
In closing, the Deputy Minister expressed Cyprus's strong support for Ukraine in its fight to preserve cultural heritage during the ongoing conflict. She also extended an invitation for Ukrainian experts to visit Cyprus to explore further collaboration with the Cypriot Department of Antiquities, ensuring that both nations can work together to protect their cultural assets from further harm.
*With information from CNA
