United States and Nicaragua Extend Agreement to Protect Archaeological Heritage of Nicaragua

October 24, 2010

“Effective October 20, 2010, this extension signifies a continuation of cooperation that began in 2000 following Nicaragua’s request for assistance from the United States pursuant to Article 9 of the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property. The United States demonstrates its continued respect for the cultural heritage of Nicaragua and its concern for the irretrievable loss of information about human history. Recognizing that this heritage is in jeopardy from pillage, the agreement enables the imposition of import restrictions on certain categories of archaeological material ranging in date from approximately 8000 B.C. to approximately A.D. 1500, including objects made of ceramic, stone, gold, and shell. The agreement also calls upon both governments to encourage academic institutions, nongovernmental organizations, and other organizations to cooperate in the exchange of knowledge and information about the cultural patrimony of Nicaragua, and to collaborate in its preservation and protection.”

For the complete statement vista the Department of State.