Zahi Hawass from the British Museum: A Global Appeal to Repatriate the Rosetta Stone

In a decisive and historic move from the heart of the British Capital, the renowned Egyptian archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass stood directly before the glass display case housing the "Rosetta Stone" inside the British Museum. From there, he issued a powerful and official appeal to the international community, demanding the return of this unique artifact to its homeland, Egypt, to welcome visitors at the world's largest cultural monument.

Speaking from within the British Museum, Dr. Zahi Hawass stated: "We are not requesting the return of every single Egyptian artifact within the halls of the British Museum. However, I am definitively and decisively making one specific demand... the return of the (Rosetta Stone)."

Hawass emphasized the historical entitlement and the natural place for the artifact, adding: "This stone, which served as the key to unlocking the secrets of the ancient Egyptian civilization, rightfully belongs in the Grand Egyptian Museum, not the British Museum. It must be integrated with Egypt's treasures so its history can be told through a civilized perspective on Egyptian soil."

In a related context, Dr. Zahi Hawass announced an escalation of popular and international efforts to support this just cause through a global petition campaign he is leading. The campaign aims to gather "one million signatures" to serve as a clear message of international public and cultural pressure. During intensive press interviews with British media outlets, he stressed that the time has come for Egypt to reclaim its major historical rights, which also include the Bust of Nefertiti from the Berlin Museum and the Dendera Zodiac from the Louvre.