[NYTr] Iran Thwarts Giant Plot to Steal Antiquities

[All the News That Doesn't Fit]

Prensa Latina, Havana
http://www.plenglish.com

Iran Thwarts Giant Antiquities Theft

Tehran, Aug 13 (Prensa Latina) The largest and most valuable quantity
of Persian antiquities in the last 15 years were bound for the United
States, but were intercepted at customs in Tehran, official sources
said.

The smugglers tagged the antiques as "household equipment," public
relations experts from the Organization of Cultural Heritage and
Tourism said, as quoted by IRNA news agency.

The shipment contained over 300 rare antiques from ancient Persia,
including 16th to 18th century carved painted vases, pieces of Buddhist
art, and idols from the second century BCE the experts explained.

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