Thousands of Ethiopians cheered the return of the final section of the Axum obelisk from Italy on Monday, completing the handover of a treasure plundered by fascists 68 years ago. Trucks began hauling the three sections of the 24-metre (78 feet) funerary monument from Axum airport for reassembly at its original site in the ancient city, which has for decades watched arguments and logistical problems delay the obelisk's return. Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi praised Italy's government for helping to return the obelisk, the first section of which arrived on April 19, which was plundered by fascist dictator Benito Mussolini and transported to Italy as a victory symbol. "Had it not been for the goodwill and determination of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and his cabinet the return of the obelisk may have been delayed," Meles told a handover ceremony in Axum. "I would like to congratulate the Ethiopian people on the occasion of the return of the Axum obelisk, a precious national symbol," he said. --More 2323 Local Time 2023 GMT
