Re-erect Axum Obelisks

Open Letter to:
His Excellency, Ambassador Mohamoud Dirir
Minister of Culture and Tourism
Addis Ababa

Your Excellency:

We, Ethiopians, groups and concerned individuals, are signing this petition to express our frustration over the delays in re-erecting our returned Axum Obelisk.

Considering the high level of commitment by the Italian Government, the absence of major technical problems, and the significance of this event for the celebration of our Ethiopian Millennium, we see no reason why the important mission of the obelisks re-erection should not be expedited. The dry season has come and the count down to the millennium has started.

We also request the re-erection of all the fallen obelisks of Axum, to restore the city to its former greatness.

Here, Your Excellency is our Petition:

PETITION

Recalling the importance of ancient Axum to Ethiopian and world history, and bearing in mind the beauty and historic significance of the ancient Obelisks of Axum, we the petitioners emphasize that these Obelisks were intended to stand upright in all their glory: as do, to this day, for example, those of ancient Egypt.

We affirm that the re-erection of the Axum Obelisks will be a source of pride to the entire Ethiopian people, as well as to the people of Africa as a whole. Re-erection of the Obelisks of Axum will moreover contribute greatly to the advancement of tourism and through it to the progress and prosperity of the entire region.



Because:

1. If the Axum Obelisk could stand in Rome, it cannot be allowed to lie on the ground in Axum.
2. The other obelisks, also built in Axumite times, have an equal right to stand upright.
3. The ancient people of Axum wanted the obelisks to be seen, not to lie forgotten on the ground
4. The re-erection of the obelisks will restore and increase the dignity of Axum, Ethiopia and, indeed, all Africa.
5. The re-erection of the obelisks will also help Ethiopian tourism and economic prosperity.
6. It will help the rebirth of Axum and Ethiopian civilization.

Bear in mind that:

1. The re-erection of the Axum obelisks is as historically significant as the Ethiopian Millennium itself.
2. Many Ethiopians and their friends have dreamt to see the re-erection of their historic obelisks, and to celebrate that day.
3. Now is the time to re-erect these obelisks, and that is our appeal.


Concerned Citizens