An Ethiopian delegation, headed by the Minister for Youth, Sports and Culture Teshome Toga, arrived in Paris yesterday for talks focused on the reconstruction of the ancient Axum obelisk with the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). Minister Teshome and his team will discuss studies conducted by Ethiopia and UNESCO and attempt to set a specific timetable for the restoration of the obelisk and other necessary preparations at the Axum site.

Before the meeting, Teshoma expressed the government’s utmost concern that the obelisk should be re-erected as safely as possible, saying that a series of archaeological and excavation studies had been conducted and that the government also intends to consult with Lattanzi, the company that transported the obelisk to Ethiopia from Rome in April.

Teshome also revealed that the Italian government will be covering the cost of restoring the obelisk.

ENDS