Ethiopia asks for permanent return of looted artifacts from Britain

ADDIS ABABA, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia on Friday asked Britain for permanent return of manuscripts and artifacts that were looted in the aftermath of a 19th century battle between an Ethiopian King and British royal army.

In a press statement, the Ethiopia Ministry of Foreign Affairs Office (MOFA), quoted Ethiopian Ambassador to UK Hailemichael Abera as saying Ethiopia prefers permanent return of looted manuscripts instead of long term loans from British museums.

Ethiopia filed a formal restitution claim in 2007 asking UK to return hundreds of ancient artifacts and manuscripts taken in 1868 during the capture of Maqdala, the capital of Emperor Tewodros II's empire.

The capture of Maqdala, after the British royal army defeated Emperor Tewodros II's army saw the looting of 468 historical artifacts and manuscripts. Enditem