BAGHDAD—Iraq's leading archaeologist has told the Art Newspaper that professional looting in Iraq has all but ended. Speaking by telephone from Diwaniya, south of Baghdad, Abbas al-Husseini said that the severe looting of archaeological sites seen in 2003 had declined substantially in 2004 and even further since then.

"Professional looting has ended, although just like anywhere in the world there may be some occasional digging by children," he said.

Al-Husseini listed a number of reasons for the improved conditions, including fatwas issued by religious leaders against damaging ancient sites; increased guard presence at the sites; resumed excavation by Iraqi archaeologists, which means better monitoring of sites; and the end of the antiquities black market trade.

Last month, the Art Newspaper controversially reported that a recent visit to Iraq by an international team of archaeologists showed no signs of looting.