2012-2074. Culturally Significant Objects Imported for Exhibition Determinations: “Byzantium and Islam: Age of Transition (7th-9th Century)”

AGENCY:

Department of State.

ACTION:

Notice, correction.

SUMMARY:

On September 28, 2011, notice was published on page 60112 of the Federal Register (volume 76, number 188) of determinations made by the Department of State pertaining to the exhibition “Byzantium and Islam: Age of Transition (7th-9th Century). The referenced notice is corrected here to include additional objects as part of the exhibition. Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), Executive Order 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, and Delegation of Authority No. 236-3 of August 28, 2000 (and, as appropriate, Delegation of Authority No. 257 of April 15, 2003), I hereby determine that the additional objects to be included in the exhibition “Byzantium and Islam: Age of Transition (7th-9th Century),” imported from abroad for temporary exhibition within the United States, are of cultural significance. The additional objects are imported pursuant to loan agreements with the foreign owners or custodians. I also determine that the exhibition or display of the exhibit objects at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, New York, from on or about March 12, 2012, until on or about July 8, 2012, and at possible additional exhibitions or venues yet to be determined, is in the national interest.

The action of the United States in this matter, and the immunity based on the application of the provisions of law involved, does not imply any view of the United States concerning the ownership of the exhibit objects. Further, it is not based upon and does not represent any change in the position of the United States regarding the status of Jerusalem or the territories occupied by Israel since 1967. See Letter of September 22, 1978, of President Jimmy Carter, attached to the Camp David Accords, reprinted in 78 Dept. of State Bulletin 11 (October 1978); Statement of September 1, 1982, of President Ronald Reagan, reprinted in 82 Dept. of State Bulletin 23 (September 1982).

I have ordered that Public Notice of these Determinations be published in the Federal Register.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

For further information, including a list of the exhibit objects, contact Paul W. Manning, Attorney-Adviser, Office of the Legal Adviser, U.S. Department of State (telephone: [phone]). The mailing address is U.S. Department of State, SA-5, L/PD, Fifth Floor (Suite 5H03), Washington, DC 20522-0505.

Dated: January 25, 2012.

J. Adam Ereli,

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of State.