Egypt reopens Pyramid of Chefren in a bid to boost tourismOctober 12, 2012 - 19:21 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Egypt has reopened one of its great pyramids as it attempts to revive a tourism industry hit by last year's uprising, BBC News said. Antiquities Minister Muhammad Ibrahim reopened the Pyramid of Chefren (Khafre) and six ancient tombs at Giza after a long restoration project. He said he was keen to stress that Egypt is a safe country for tourists. The BBC's Jon Leyne in Egypt says visitor numbers have only just begun to pick up after last year's revolution. The problem, he says, is that many Westerners still see Egypt as something of a war zone. Mr Ibrahim, who inspected the newly opened monument, said other archaeological sites were due to be opened across Egypt in the coming months. Egypt's tourism industry was badly hit last year following the unrest that ousted President Hosni Mubarak. Scenes of violent protests, mainly in the capital Cairo, were broadcast around the world. The country is still suffering from a weak economy and a volatile security situation. The Pyramid of Chefren is the second largest at Giza and the tomb of the Pharaoh Khafre from ancient Egypt's fourth dynasty. It rises to a height of 136m (446ft). Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Armenia, Turkey discuss restoration of historic bridge The meeting took place on May 17 in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international conference of ministers of culture. India wants Armenia’s proposals on use of Chabahar port India is expecting proposals from Armenia regarding the use of Chabahar port in Iran, Indian ambassador says. EU welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan “progress” The EU has welcomed “progress” made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. Belarus opposition leader slams Lukashenko for Karabakh trip Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has harshly criticized the visit of Lukashenko to Karabakh. |