70% of Egypt's antiquities not discovered yet

Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Zahi Hawass said 70 per cent of Egypt's artifacts and monuments have not been discovered yet.

He said the diligent work of up to 200 Egyptian and foreign missions operating in Egypt has led to the discovery of only 30 per cent of the antiquities.

He said the exploration works will move to the northern parts of the country. "We will cease explorations in Upper Egypt," he said.

Hawass said the exploratory operations in the region cost one billion Egyptian pounds annually. "The SCA undertakes such cost thanks to the Egyptian exhibitions abroad that showcase the ancient masterpieces," Hawass said.

Dr.Zahi Hawass' pages:

http://www.guardians.net/hawass/