Sudan denies selling archaeological pieces to Qatar

March 27, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudan National Authority for Antiquities and Museums (SNAAM) dismissed reports about the sale of archaeological sites and pieces to Qatar calling it “untrue”.

This week Egyptian media this week reported that Sudan awarded the Arab Gulf state Nubian effects in return for millions of dollars, stoking fears among Egyptians that it may adversely impact its beleaguered tourism industry.

SNAAM director general Ali Abdel-Rahman told Sudan’s state-owned news agency SUNA that there is a cooperation deal between Khartoum and Doha to renovate the monuments of Nubia at a cost of $135 million over five years.

Announced a year ago, the initiative was to include 100 archaeological sites in Sudan’s Northern and River Nile states.

He went on to say that the accord aims to enhance archaeological discoveries for the benefit of Sudan and the global civilisation, as well as deliver cultural, social and economic returns.

Abdel-Rahman stressed that the project demonstrates the distinguished relations between Sudan and Qatar and reflects the significant role played by Doha in the field of protection and promotion of human and world heritage.

(ST)