Russian museums to refrain from exhibitions in Switzerland

Russian museums were recommended to refrain from exhibitions in Switzerland until facts of the arrest are investigated.

The chief of Federal Agency of culture and cinematography Mikhail Shvydkoi reported to the broadcast company "Echo of Moscow".

The exhibits from Pushkin museum were arrested in Switzerland at the suit of the company Noga and then released by the decision of Swiss government.

According to Shvydkoi such decisions are taken by Swiss government only in case of "national security threat", "this is a single act which applies only for specific case and has no universal meaning."

"We are going to learn all documents in spite of the fact that it is the first precedent in Switzerland, - said he. - There used to be many exhibitions before but that was the first time when insured value was more than $800m and that probably induced the company Noga to declare."

According to Shvydskoi Russia has "strong or even cruel legislation" concerning safety of cultural values which are being moved abroad". "There were few similar incidents", - said he.

It is necessary "to pass the special law for guaranteeing safety of Russian exhibits abroad to save them from third persons claims", and "experts are working already" on that law, noticed Shvydkoi.

sections: Culture, World News