A guide to the export and import of cultural goods between Russia ...

Chapter 3: European Union Member States
Cyprus
CHAPTER
Both the Republic of Cyprus and the Russian Federation have a mutual interest in the
further development of their existing cultural ties and relations. The respective will of the
two sides to foster collaboration is reflected in the texts of the various Programmes of Cooperation
in the Fields of Science, Education and Culture. The Programmes are important
instruments, particularly for developing cultural cooperation and exchanges between the
two sides. They contribute to artistic creativity, mobility of artists and works of art (e.g.
Days of Nicosia and Moscow in Russia and Cyprus respectively) and to the intercultural
dialogue among the peoples of the two countries.
In addition, there is a growing interest for cultural cooperation among private cultural
institutions / enterprises from both sides. Russian artistic enterprises (mainly opera
and dance ensembles) tour frequently and perform in various arts festivals organised
in Cyprus (e.g. ‘TA KYПPIA’), while Cypriot artistic companies perform in events organised
in Russia.
There have also been a growing number of exhibitions in Cypriot and Russian art galleries
of artists of the two countries. Many artists also visit Cyprus combining holidays with creative
work: they produce a series of paintings which they then show in group exhibitions.
WHAT LEGISLATION APPLIES TO THE IMPORT/EXPORT OF CULTURAL GOODS
BETWEEN CYPRUS AND RUSSIA?
NATIONAL
Law on Export of Cultural Goods, No. 182(I) of 2002
Law on Antiquities (Chapter 31)
Law for the Return of Cultural Objects No. 183(I) of 2002
INTERNATIONAL
European Community legislation applicable (see Chapter 2)
Cyprus has ratifi ed both the UNESCO Convention of 1970 and the UNIDROIT Convention of
1995 (in 1979 and 2003, respectively)
Who is responsible for implementing these regulations?
Export licences are issued by the competent Department or Service depending on the
specific type of cultural object. These authorities are listed in the Law on Export of Cultural
Goods of 2002.
55