Wednesday, March 02, 2011

Hawass says that he might quit

New York Times (Kate Taylor)

In a marked shift from his previous statements, Egypt’s minister of antiquities, Zahi Hawass, said on Tuesday that his department was unable to protect Egypt’s historic sites and artifacts and that he was considering resigning.

In a telephone interview he said that thieves on Monday broke into two warehouses near the pyramids of Giza that held artifacts excavated in the early 20th century. It was not yet clear what had been taken. He said that the police were no longer protecting Egypt’s monuments and that his own staff was unarmed and unable to stop attacks.

“During the revolution nothing happened, but after the revolution many things are happening everywhere,” Mr. Hawass said. “People building houses, taking archaeological land, excavating at night — it’s like a nightmare, and I don’t know what I can do.”

8 comments:

AliceG said...

He's getting pressure from somewhere in the "government". but doubt if he will ever willingly quit.

AliceG said...

Just read the entire thing. Never once does the reporter call him Dr. It's Mr. Never mind anything else the man earned that title and deserves to be called Dr.

Anonymous said...

Go hawass GO!

Anonymous said...

Oh please let it be so. He should not be the gatekeeper of Egypts' archaelogocal secrets any more. being offered/accepting a position in the gasping Mubarak regime said it all! Not trustworthy. Hope he goes hope he goes hope he goes...

Anonymous said...

Did he earn the title? and if so perhaps it should be taken away, as he certainly doesn't live up to the standards expected of one with the title of dr.

tonic said...

the government was resigned today include Hawass

Anonymous said...

According to NYTimes, he has now quit.

Anonymous said...

I have often wondered how/where did Hawass gain his various titles. They seem to have appeared all at once, certainly when he became more popular.