Museum of Tripoli remains closed for security reasons

Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Museum of Tripoli in Libya's capital has remained closed to visitors since 2011 due to the prevailing insecurity in the country since the ouster of Mouammar Gaddafi.

The Museum is home to archaeological objects collected from the country's ancient sites, as well as paintings depicting ancient western and Islamic arts.

Opened in 1989, it was previously reserved exclusively for objects glorifying Gaddafi, including sections from his Green Book as well as gifts from foreign leaders and cars. All those objects have now been moved to the museum's storage.

According to Libya officials, the unstable security situation in the country threatens the protection of the country's cultural heritage.

The Director of the Libyan National Museum, Mrs. Najate Hamida, said the museum would be safe only when security is restored in the country.

During the Libyan revolution, the country's museums were not vandalised, unlike what happened in Egypt.

The closure of the museum has provided the the Libyan government the opportunity to rehabilitate it.
-0- PANA AD/IN/AAS/JEN/SEG 23Aug2013