Three Statues Repatriated in Phnom Penh Ceremony

Three statues looted from Cambodia over the last 40 years were returned to Phnom Penh in an official ceremony Tuesday. All three had been in collections in the United states. Cabinet Minister Sok An thanked US officials for their support in securing the return of the statues. “Repatriation of these statutes demonstrates strengthening commitment of America’s collectors and institutions to adhere to the highest legal and ethical standard in acquiring objects, and reaffirm the US’s pledge that our country will not serve as the safe heaven of illegally acquired arts and antiquities,” Jeff Daigle, the US Embassy’s deputy chief of mission, said Tuesday. (Khoun Theara, Phnom Penh)