Peru's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Peru and Yale agreed to request the suspension of the proceedings in a Connecticut court while the stipulations established in the Memorandum of Understanding are carried out. Afterwards, both parties will request the termination of the trial.

The statement mentions that Yale took an “exceptional” decision and agreed to return the artifacts after considering the great historical value and national identity that they represent to Peru.

Furthermore, it mentions that the agreement acknowledges that Yale University has been an honorable and dedicated guardian of the relics and reaffirms the Peruvian government owns every material mentioned in the agreement.

The agreement states that Yale commits to return every relic in two years, with those most suitable for museum display being returned in time for the centenary of the scientific discovery of Machu Picchu.

By the end of 2011, Yale University will return another group of artifacts and fragments. The deadline to return every piece will be on December 31st, 2012.

The statement further mentions that every expense regarding the return of the artifacts will be covered by Yale.

Likewise, Peru will facilitate the access to the artifacts for research and academic studies according to the Peruvian law and the norms and procedures stated by the Ministry of Culture.

The statement highlights that with this agreement, Peru and Yale University laid the foundations of a fruitful collaboration for the conservation of the materials as well as the development of the studies and research of the international scientific community.

Finally, it states that the agreement will be governed by Peruvian law and will not be used for other purposes.

Peruvian president Alan Garcia announced on Friday that Yale University agreed to return the artifacts taken by US explorer Hiram Bingham from the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu and taken to the United States for research.

(END) CCR/LGV/EEP