HA NOI (VNS)– A new Decree bans removal from the country of historic documents, objects and antiques.

It defines documents and objects including fossils of humans, animals or plants; antiques; valuable materials dealing with history, culture and the sovereignty of Viet Nam, national heroes and famed names; antiques and materials of various periods before the August Revolution in September 1945; draft versions of literature works, sketches of paintings, sculptures, photographic works of high value in ideology and art which have had great effect on the society since the August Revolution.

The ruling which comes into effect on February 15 was issued by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.– VNS