AFROMET 24 January 2002

Statement by Professor Andreas Eshete, Chair of AFROMET, on the occasion of the Return of the Ethiopian Tabot from Edinburgh, Scotland.

"The Association for the Return of Maqdala Ethiopian Treasures (AFROMET) pays tribute to the congregation and to the Rector, the Rev John McLuckie, of St. John's Episcopal Church, Edinburgh, Scotland, for the return to Ethiopia of the Tabot - a Representation of the Ark of the Covenant - looted from Maqdala in 1868. This magnanimous act is a singular expression of solidarity between the peoples of Scotland and Ethiopia, which will be welcomed throughout Ethiopia.

"We also welcome the call issued by members of St. John's Episcopal Church for the restitution of other treasures from Maqdala - an invaluable collection of ecclesiastical and other manuscripts, tabots, processional crosses, a golden chalice and a golden crown, and other cultural artifacts held at British institutions, including the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Library, the Bodleian Library, and the Royal Library, Windsor Castle.

"Energised by this happy occasion, AFROMET reaffirms its determination to campaign for the return of all the Maqdala treasures. We are also confident that the exemplary gesture of St John's Episcopal Church will inspire others in the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe - particularly the Italian Government - to rectify long-standing injustice by returning objects of central importance to Ethiopia's cultural patrimony.

"AFROMET salutes St. John's Episcopal Church and the Scottish people for their exceptional contribution to the cause of justice."

Andreas Eshete,
Chair,
AFROMET