In conjunction with many organizations and individuals specializing in archeology, the interim Ministry of Culture and Family Affairs held a meeting to discuss trafficking of Syrian antiques. Basil Hatahet, Deputy Minister of Culture and Family Affairs, said that the Ministry has been cooperating with organizations specializing in archeology to document the Syrian antiques and to support projects in the field of restoration of some of the archeological pieces, in addition to documenting the pieces that were smuggled to global markets to bring them back. Amr al-Azm, head of the Protection of Antiquities Directorate, said that “we are working to provide financial and technical support to the locals who have been protecting antiques to continue with this task.” (Source: Syrian Coalition + Interim Syrian Government)