U.S. returns 7 pieces of Khmer artifacts

PHNOM PENH, July 18 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. government on Sunday handed over seven pieces of the Khmer antiquities to the Cambodia national museum to further strengthen the relations between the two countries amid commemorating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relation.

The U.S. Undersecretary William Burns said at the handover ceremony that "our efforts to return these artifacts exemplify the respect we have for Cambodian historical patrimony and culture."

The returned Khmer antiquities--which made of sandstone and metal bronze dated back in 10th and 12th century of the Angkor period--are temple decorative element, head of male divinity, horse, and torso of a male divinity.

Meanwhile, Cambodian Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, Him Chhem, said at the ceremony "returning these items is like returning the souls of Khmer ancestors to their bodies after dozens of years of separation and so, reviving the bodies."

The minister also said that up to now Cambodia has received 27 pieces of artifacts in total from the American people and the U.S. government.