Speeches
Remarks by Ann Hurst, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Attaché, Bangkok, Khmer Antiquity Repatriation Ceremony
National Museum of Cambodia
July 30, 2007
Good morning. I would like to thank H.E. Him Chhem, Acting Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, the Cambodian Department of Customs and H.E. Joseph Mussomeli, Ambassador of the United States of America for the opportunity to be here today at this historic repatriation ceremony.
The return of this very important Khmer artifact from the United States to Cambodia is a prime example of the close cooperation between the United States and the Kingdom of Cambodia.
In July of 2004, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Attaché Bangkok began an investigation into the smuggling of Khmer and Thai artifacts into the United States.
The items consisted of prehistoric fossils, Buddha images and other ancient sculptures exported to the U.S. without the consent of the Cambodian and Thai governments. In 2005, pursuant to the investigation, approximately 2000 lbs. of genuine prehistoric dinosaur fossils were seized in Thailand and a Thai national was arrested and convicted.
The investigation continued and more artifacts the Thai national had sold to buyers in the U.S. were located. One was this very rare 1200AD Khmer Angkor stone sculpture depicting an Apsara Dancer. The American Government is very proud to be returning this piece to its rightful owner.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement believes that these types of investigations are important in assisting the Kingdom of Cambodia in preserving its rich and magnificent archaeological sites. We seek to prosecute those who attempt to destroy these sites by illegally selling and buying these protected and irreplaceable artifacts.
Once again, thank you all for your assistance on this case, and we look forward to continued cooperation with you.
