Anti-Looting Cavalry" Prepares to Storm DC in Efforts to Aid China

SAFE will present CPAC with signed petitions on February 4 and will participate in both sessions. Petitions are being administered through the SAFE website (www.savingantiquties.org), please follow the Stop the Plunder" link. Execution of petitions is urgent. Please submit as soon as possible. Individuals in DC area are encouraged to reply.

New York, NY (PRWEB) February 3, 2005 -- On February 17th, 2005, the non-profit advocacy group Saving Antiquities for Everyone (SAFE) will give testimony before the US Cultural Property Advisory Committee (CPAC) in support of the People's Republic of Chinas request for assistance from the Government of the United States under 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 public summary of the PRC's request is available at http://exchanges.state.gov/culprop/cn04sum.html

Included in her testimony supporting the PRC's request for a bi-lateral treaty with the United States that restricts importation of Chinese archaeological and ethnographic materials to the US, SAFE Founder and Executive Director Cindy Ho will present the CPAC with signatures in support of a petition on the issue currently available on the SAFE website (http://www.savingantiquities.org).

This petition directly addresses and publicizes the destructive effects of the illicit antiquities trade regarding China's cultural heritage. China is one of the longest suffering countries as, for centuries, priceless artifacts continue to be plundered from archaeological, religious, and historical sites.

Overwhelming demand for Chinese antiquities result in a booming market for cultural treasures, often a feature in galleries and auction houses, especially in the United States. China is seeking aid from the United States to help combat this serious threat. The U.S. Cultural Property Advisory Committee sessions regarding China's request take place on February 17 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and February 18 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the State Department.

SAFE will present CPAC with signed petitions on February 4 and will participate in the public session on February 17. Petitions are being administered through the SAFE website (www.savingantiquities.org), please follow the Stop the Plunder" link. Execution of petitions is urgent. Please submit as soon as possible.

SAFE also urges all interested individuals to show support by attending the US Cultural Property Advisory Committee's open sessions. A reservation for admission is required. Please contact CPAC, (202) 619-6612. Reservations must be made by February 4 at 5:00 pm. Presentation of petitions, attendance and support for China is critical for the protection of its rich cultural history for future generations.

SAFE is a non-profit group dedicated to raising public awareness about the importance of preserving cultural heritage worldwide.

For further information, contact:

Cindy Ho, Founder / Executive Director

SAFE, (201) 626-2460

cho@savingantiquities.org

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