The European Council of Artists (ECA) representing interdisciplinary artists’ councils and artists’ organisations in 24 European countries deplores the indifference of the allied forces towards the destruction and robbery of some of the most precious cultural heritage of mankind in Iraq. Regardless of our member organisations’ and their governments’ different attitudes concerning the legitimacy of this war, we at ECA object to the striking imbalance between the efforts to protect the buildings of the oil ministry and the total lack of them at the national museum during the turmoil in Baghdad.
Apart from the material damage the symbolic quality of this decision is disastrous: International understanding can only be achieved in a world where outstanding examples of cultural expression stand second to nothing, where the respect for and the protection of cultural heritage are truly considered tasks for all mankind.
There is no doubt that the allied forces have to bear the responsibility for this outrage. Everything must be done to regain possession of the stolen artefacts. UNESCO should consider the application of the term “cultural terrorism” to such acts of vandalism.
At the same time we do believe that our Iraqi colleagues must be given all possible opportunities to contribute to a positive development of their country with its cultural wealth and traditions. Any attempt of rebuilding Iraq without investing in a cultural dialogue is doomed to failure.
30th of April 2003
Jorge Bosso, President Ludwig Laher, Vice President
Tomo Vran, Vice President Kjeld Løfting, Secretary General
30th of April 2003