New York State authorities return a group of stolen artifacts to Iraq

In the context of Iraq’s endeavor to recover its stolen archaeological treasures, and as a result of the efforts of the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Washington DC with respect to following up and cooperating with the Office of the Attorney General in New York/ Antiquities Trafficking Unit, a ceremony was held on Dec 14 to receive seven Iraqi artifacts dating back to the Assyrian and Babylonian eras as they had been previously stolen during the past three decades. The ceremony was attended by the General Counsel of New York Attorney General's Office, Ms. Leslie Dunbeck, and Manhattan Assistant Attorney General, Col. Matthew Bagdanos.
Chargé d'Affaires Dr. Silwan Sinjari delivered remarks expressing gratitude of the government and people of Iraq for such efforts, as these antiquities represent the depth of Iraq's civilization and heritage. It is an initiative that confirms the close cooperation and friendship between both countries in light of the strategic framework agreement.