Addis Ababa, August 19, 2010 (Addis Ababa) - The National Committee for Preserving the Mekdella Amba Heritage Preservation and Ecotourism Development reportedly said on Wednesday that it would work hard for the return of the historical heritages of Makdella that were taken and kept in England museum.

The committee, which is in charge of preserving the historical relics of Makdella, where the battle between Ethiopia and British troops had taken place in 1868, made the statement while approving its statute in a meeting it held here yesterday.

The committee said it would do everything possible for the return of the historical relics of Makdella which were taken by British troops after the battle and kept at London Museum.

Gathering the historical studies made so far concerning Makdella, historical heritages, and making additional studies about Makdella, and introducing them to the outside world are the main tasks of the committee, Culture and Tourism Minister, Ambassador Mohammud Dirir said during the meeting.

Ambassdfor Mohamed said the committee would also work on ways of getting return the antiquities of Makdella Amba that are kept at London Museum.

Mekdella, is a historical place where Emperor Tewdros heroically killed himself refusing to surrender to the enemy (British troops) during the battle. Makdella served as the seat of the government, army command post and stronghold of the Ethiopian army under Emperor Tewdros.

Members of the committee and senior government officials were in attendance at the meeting.

ENA