`Whereas, the ancient civilization of Assyria , located in Bet-Nahirain (Mesopotamia) in what is now modern day Iraq, was renown for its art and culture; and

`Whereas, in the eighth century B.C. King Assurnasirpal II of Assyria built the palace at Nimrud which contained highly descriptive bas-relief sculptures; and

`Whereas, an Assyrian relief from the palace at Nimrud was recently purchased at auction for $11.9 million by an anonymous buyer; and

`Whereas, Assyrians who are in diaspora throughout the world today are united in their vehement objection to the illicit sale and trafficking of Assyrian ancient antiquities and artifacts; and

`Whereas, the illicit sale and trafficking of ancient antiquities and artifacts is not limited to Assyrian artifacts but involves the cultural treasures of historical civilizations throughout the world, from the ancient temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, to Native American villages in the United States; and

`Whereas, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is seeking to establish an international code of ethics for art dealers and cultural professionals to help combat the rise in illicit trafficking of cultural antiquities and artifacts throughout the world; and

`Whereas, the illicit sale and purchase of cultural and antiquities and artifacts by personal art collectors diminishes their educational and aesthetic value, denigrates the history, art, legacy, and culture of the ancient civilizations that created those antiquities and artifacts, displays a lack of sensitivity toward the descendants of those civilizations, and demonstrates disrespect for the cultural heritage of all of humankind; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly and Senate of the State of California, jointly, That the Legislature of the State of California respectfully memorializes the President and Congress of the United States to take measures to halt the illicit sale and trafficking of cultural antiquities, including Assyrian artifacts, and to support the efforts of UNESCO to combat this serious problem; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the President and Vice President of the United States, to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and to each Senator and Representative from California in the Congress of the United States.'