Egypt demands Louvre return artifacts

CAIRO, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- The head of Egypt's antiquities council said the country is suspending its cooperation with the Louvre in France until the museum returns stolen artifacts.

CNN quoted Dr. Zahi Hawass, director of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, as saying the Louvre bought five murals that had been removed from the walls of an Egyptian tomb by antiquities robbers in the 1980s.

Hawass said he asked Louvre officials a year ago to return the works and the museum agreed, however, he said it has not yet made good on its promise.

Until it does so, Hawass said Egypt will not participate in antiquities exchange programs with the Louvre as it does with other museums, CNN reported.