Cultural assets taken from their home countries during war or occupation may soon be able to return under a U.N. program.

Education Minister Kim Shin-il introduced a UNESCO plan to help countries reclaim their stolen cultural assets beginning in 2008.

The U.N. cultural organization will hold a special committee meeting for the project in Korea next year.

The minister said the return of cultural assets to their home countries holds great importance for world peace.

Many of the nation's precious cultural assets were taken by Japan during its colonial rule. In addition, books stolen from the Joseon Dynasty's royal library, known as the Oegyujanggak, are kept in France.