Italian cabinet decides to return Axum obelisk

Addis Ababa, July 19(ENA)-- The Italian cabinet has decided to return the Axum obelisk that has been looted from Ethiopia more than sixty years ago, ministry of foreign affairs said.

The ministry told ENA on Friday that the Italian ministry of foreign affairs has faxed the decision of the cabinet to the Ethiopian embassy in Rome.

The Italian government has signed agreements in 1947,1956 and 1997 to return the monument to the rightful owners, the Ethiopian people, it said.

The Ethiopian government would trust the commitment of the Italian government only when the obelisk is dismantled in Rome and restored to its original place.

It is encouraging that Italy has begun taking measures to return the monument, but it is difficult to discern the latest pledge from the usual propaganda.

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