[CPProt.net] Ethiopia to discuss historic obelisk re-erection with UNESCO

[MSN CPPnet (Ton Cremers)]

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From: Shlomo [mailto:shlomo at eastafricaforum.net] 
Sent: 28 July 2005 04:55
To: shlomo at eastafricaforum.net
Subject: Ethiopia to discuss historic obelisk re-erection with UNESCO


http://www.sudantribune.com/article.php3?id_article=10829
 

Ethiopia to discuss historic obelisk re-erection with UNESCO

Thursday July 28th, 2005 00:16.

ADDIS ABABA, July 27, 2005 (Xinhua) -- An Ethiopian delegation left for
France on Wednesday to discuss ways of re-erecting the historic Axum obelisk
with the United Nations. 

 <http://www.sudantribune.com/IMG/jpg/obelisk_ethiopia.jpg> 
	
The Axum obelisk, weighing 160 tons and standing 24 meters high, is around
1,700 years old and has become a symbol of the Ethiopian people's identity.
In 1937, the invaders of fascist Italy dismantled and took it on the orders
of Benito Mussolini. Italy returned the monument to the northern ancient
town of Axum in April. 

The delegation, led by Minister of Culture Teshome Toga, left for the
headquarters of UNESCO to discuss studies conducted by Ethiopia and the
organization concerning the re-erection of the obelisk as well as to set a
timeframe for the re-erection. 

He said the delegation will return with a specific timetable for the
archeological studies and other necessary preparations. 

"The re-erection of the obelisk should be done safely," he said, adding that
Ethiopia has been jointly working with UNESCO on the re-erection site. 

In addition to efforts exerted for the return of its heritage, Ethiopia has
conducted archeological, basement studies as well as other preparations
needed for the re-erection of the obelisk, according to the minister. 

Teshome said the government believes that it would be useful to engage the
company that transported the obelisk from Rome and the consultant company in
the re-erection process. 

He said the Italian government will cover the cost needed for the
re-erection of the obelisk. 

Following the signing of two agreements by Italy and Ethiopia, in 1956 and
1997, Ethiopia formed a national committee for the return of the obelisk. 

Ethiopia is one of the oldest continuous civilizations in the world. The
first known civilization in Ethiopia was that of the mighty Aksumite
Kingdom. 

Having established itself in 1,000 BC, in northern Ethiopia, it eventually
spread over all of northern and even central Ethiopia. The ancient city of
Axum, which was started by the Aksumites, was Ethiopia's first capital city.