[CPProt.net] Rome returns stolen obelisk

[Museum Security Network / Cultural Property Protection Net (Ton Cremers)]

Rome returns stolen obelisk
AFP
20apr05

ADDIS ABABA: The first of three parts of the famed Axum obelisk, plundered
by fascist Italy almost 70 years ago, arrived home in Ethiopia yesterday.

An Antonov cargo plane carrying one-third of the 160-tonne monument landed
at Axum airport at 6.15am local time having set off from Rome. 
It is to be stored at the airport until the arrival of the remaining parts,
expected by next week. 

The long-awaited and much-delayed return of the 2500-year-old, 24m-tall
funeral pillar has now begun in earnest following more than a half century
of wrangling between Rome and Addis Ababa. 

The obelisk was taken by Italian troops as a prize of conquest in 1937 on
the orders of dictator Benito Mussolini during his brief attempt to colonise
Ethiopia. 

Despite a 1947 agreement calling for its return, the monument has remained
in Italy, much to the anger of Ethiopia, which had accused Rome of stalling
on the earlier deal. 

Until last year, when it was dismantled by Italian experts in preparation
for its journey home, the monument had stood outside the Rome headquarters
of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation. 

Earlier this month, after several false starts, Ethiopia announced with
great fanfare that after years of waiting, the first piece would be returned
to Axum on April 13, with the remaining two portions to come by April 23. 

But three days later it was forced to announce the return had been put on
hold indefinitely due to "technical and logistic reasons". 

Ethiopia plans elaborate celebrations drawing on national pride and the
country's anti-colonial history to mark its arrival and re-erection,
expected to be completed by June or July. 

Dubbed Operation Restitution, the airlift will cost an estimated E6million
($10.2million), all of which is being paid by Rome.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/