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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release March 4, 1994

FACT SHEET

UKRAINE: AGREEMENT ON PRESERVATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE

The "Agreement Between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the United States of America on the Protection and Preservation of Cultural Heritage" is intended to protect cultural heritage and provide access to the treasures of national and world culture without discrimination. The U.S. Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad, the U.S. partner in this Agreement, was established by legislation in 1985 in active recognition of the respect due to fundamental human rights and the need to promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups. The Agreement with Ukraine is particularly significant since it is the first with a nation formerly a part of the Soviet Union.

It is designed as an elaboration of the 1972 Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, to further respect the cultural items of victims of genocide from the Second World War. This agreement reiterates U.S. support for the preservation and protection of monuments, historic buildings, and cemeteries associated with the foreign heritage of United States citizens and will establish a Joint Heritage Commission to oversee successful implementation.

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