Hearings, Meetings, Proceedings, etc.: Cultural Property Advisory Committee; Proposals to Extend Bilateral Cultural Property Agreements with Albania and Nigeria; Receipt of a Request from Romania under the Convention on Cultural Property Implementation Act

The Committee for Cultural Policy and Global Heritage Alliance jointly oppose Romania's request for a bilateral agreement under the CPIA. They argue that Romania fails to meet the statutory criteria because it lacks evidence of a serious pillage situation, shows chronic underfunding and poor implementation of heritage laws, and poses a risk of "cultural sequestration" and harm to minority heritage.

The Committee for Cultural Policy, Inc. and the Global Heritage Alliance jointly oppose the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Albania regarding import restrictions on cultural property. They argue that Albania has failed to meet the four statutory determinations required by the Cultural Property Implementation Act (CPIA), citing a lack of evidence regarding current pillage, insufficient domestic funding and implementation of laws, a lack of demonstrated U.S. market impact, and a failure to foster meaningful cultural interchange.

The Committee for Cultural Policy, Inc. and the Global Heritage Alliance jointly argue against the renewal of the U.S.–Nigeria Memorandum of Understanding regarding cultural property. They contend that Nigeria has failed to meet the statutory requirements for renewal due to instability in museum governance, lack of transparent inventories, and the fact that current import restrictions are overbroad and do not effectively deter pillage.

Mandy F. Woods, owner of Pugnus Maximus Numismatics, opposes the proposed and renewed MOUs with Romania, Albania, and Nigeria regarding ancient coins. She argues that broad restrictions on widely circulated coins create unnecessary burdens for lawful collectors and dealers without effectively addressing illicit trafficking.

An individual is protesting the inclusion of coinage in the proposed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Albania and Romania. The commenter argues that coinage was intended for wide circulation and trade, and that including them in the MOUs is an over-reach that ignores the legality of trade within the EU.

An individual antique collector and trade enthusiast opposes the proposed MOU with Romania, arguing that the broad restrictions on textiles and coins will unfairly harm the trade of antique European rugs and common coins. The commenter also expresses concern that the MOU could restrict access to cultural heritage belonging to non-Romanian minorities, such as the Hungarian minority.

The commenter opposes entering into cultural property agreements with countries that have poor records of respecting minority cultures or lack transparent methods for recording finds. They argue that the U.S. should only partner with countries that share data with the public and adopt more transparent recording systems similar to those used in the UK.

Aaron J. Paul, a retired curator of Greek, Etruscan, and Roman art, opposes the proposed MOUs with Romania and Albania. He argues that the broad inclusion of coins in these agreements infringes on the rights of American citizens and contradicts EU trade laws.

An individual opposes the proposed MOUs with Romania, Albania, and Nigeria, arguing that they are too broad and place an unfair burden of proof on U.S. citizens. The commenter requests a more rigorous review to ensure the agreements comply with the CPIA and do not infringe upon the rights of American citizens.

Philip Mattera, a coin collector and student of ancient history, opposes the proposed MOUs with Romania, Albania, and Nigeria. He argues that the agreements are too broad, infringe on the rights of American collectors, and fail to meet the original objectives of the Cultural Property Implementation Act.