GHAZNI CITY - Almost 10,000 antiques of Ghazni Museum, which has been under control of Italian archeologists over the last six years, are being kept in Kabul, officials said on Monday.
Under a 52-year-old agreement with Italy for constructing and curating the museum, 63 blocks were to be constructed. But due to the war in the country, only 13 blocks could be built till 1978. Director of Information and Culture Hamidullah Sarwary told Pajhwok Afghan News the Italians had visited the museum six years ago, but locked it owing to deteriorating security.

Constructed over 3.5 acres in Ghazni City in 1959, the museum once had almost 10,000 rare Islamic and Buddhist artifacts. Its director, Siddiqullah, said the items had been in Kabul for the last 20 years. "We will bring them once a suitable place is available."

Archeologist Agha Muhammad Khoshazada said the museum that still had valuable items needed proper care.

The city will be declared the capital of Islamic civilization by 2013 by the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO).

Information and Culture Department officials promised they would leave no stone unturned in preservation of the antiques, historical places and the Ghazni museum. (Pajhwok)