[MSN] Greece returns stolen ancient statues to Albania

[MSN]

Greece returns stolen ancient statues to Albania
2008-02-07 19:18:14 -

ATHENS, Greece (AP) - Greece handed back two stolen ancient statues to Albanian authorities on Thursday, saying it hoped the gesture boosts international cooperation in repatriating looted antiquities.
The marble statues _ life-size headless statues of mythological figures Artemis and Apollo _ were stolen in the early 1990s from an archaeological site in Butrint, southern Albania. They are estimated to be 2,200- and 1,800-years-old.
Greek authorities seized them from a private collection in 1997.
Culture Minister Michalis Liapis said Thursday at a hand-over ceremony that Greece's cooperation with Albania on the case demonstrated Athens' commitment to cracking down on antiquity theft.
«We want to send a clear message that we are determined to protect cultural heritage,» Liapis said.
His Albanian counterpart, Ylli Pango, said «officials on both sides showed true professionalism.
«The Greek people _ perhaps more than others _ understand the importance of this gesture,» Pango said.
Greece has mounted an aggressive campaign in recent years for the return of ancient artifacts from museums and private collections abroad, including legally and illegally acquired items.
The campaign is part of an effort to recover Parthenon sculptures _ the Elgin Marbles _ from the British Museum in London. Greece argues that they are an integral part of temple on the Acropolis hill. The marbles were removed by Britain's Lord Elgin in the early 19th century.

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