Egypt\'s antiquities ministry rejects lease idea

Egyptian antiquities Cairo - Akram Ali    The Egyptian ministry of state for antiquities has released a statement rejecting a proposal by the finance ministry, initially put forward by a member of the public, to lease use of Egyptian antiquities, including the Pyramids , the Sphinx, Abu Simbel temple and others for periods of three to five years.
The statement said such sites are owned by the state and are public property use of which may not be leased to others.
The Minister of State for Antiquities Mohammed Ibrahim said: "Degrading and exploiting our cultural heritage in this manner is unacceptable," adding "it belongs to all Egyptians."
Bassam el-Shammaa, a member of the Egyptian Historical Studies Association condemned the proposal, saying "It is unbelievable that Egypt would sell its antiquities for money."
Sameh el-Banna, professor of antiquities at Assiut University, said "Egypt has preserved her antiquities across 7,000 years despite the Mongols, Mamluks and the British passing through its history, and no-one has thought of selling how antiquities. This confirms that we are living in a bizarre era."
El-Banna also urged Egyptians to "stand up to these attempts which will squander the country's history for a handful of dollars."