UNESCO kicks off project for Italy to re-erect Axum Obelisk

 (June 25, 2007)

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Centre has signed a contract with an Italian construction company to re-erect the Axum obelisk on its original location beginning this July.

Measuring 24 meters high and weighing 150 tones, the obelisk was transported to Rome by Mussolini’s troops in 1937.

In April 2005,the Italian government decided to return the artifact to Ethiopia.

Due to its enormity, it was cut into three pieces before being flown to Axum, in the country's north-east, where archaeological digs were underway to prepare for the installation.

Italy is providing the over 2.3 million USD cost of the project slated to take 18 months.(ENDS)