TEHRAN -- Iraq has rejected a proposal from Iran for safekeeping of the country’s artifacts and museum objects being threatened by ISIL terrorists, the Persian service of ISNA reported on Sunday.

“Due to international support and resolutions issued concerning this area, we do not need support,” Iraqi Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Adel Fahad Shershab told ISNA.

“Presently, all countries are standing beside us for support,” he added.

Earlier in March, Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization (CHTHO) sent letters to Iraq’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, proposing that Iran is ready to safeguard Iraq’s artifacts and museum objects that were under threat from ISIL terrorists.

The CHTHO said that it would send back all the loaners after the threat is eliminated.

Shershab said that Iraq is trying to recover the stolen artifacts from the country’s museums and added that some of the relics were returned to the country.

MMS/YAW
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