Estonia to end cooperation with Russia in safeguarding cultural valuables

TALLINN. June 29 (Interfax) - The Estonian government intends to terminate its agreement with Russia on cooperation in safeguarding cultural valuables.

"Due to Russia's aggression in Ukraine, on Thursday, the government plans to terminate the agreement on cooperation between Estonia and Russia in safeguarding cultural valuables," the Estonian government's press service said.

Estonia and Russia signed the aforementioned agreement on December 4, 1998, the press service said. The agreement is automatically extended every five years unless any signatory announces plans to terminate it at least six months prior to the due date. This means that the Estonian Foreign Ministry is required to send the corresponding note to Russia no later than July 3.

Estonia joined two UNESCO conventions, which act as the foundation of the agreement between Estonia and Russia, and there is no actual need to regulate these areas through an additional agreement, the press service said. These are the UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property and the UNESCO Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.