Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
ANTANANARIVO, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) — An official ceremony to return colonial-era relics from France was held in Madagascar's capital Antananarivo on Tuesday.
Three skulls of the Sakalava ethnic group, one believed to have belonged to King Toera and two to his warriors, have been returned to Madagascar after 128 years in France.
“Today we pay tribute to the heroes who sacrificed themselves for their country, and in particular to the courageous struggle that King Toera led in Ambiki (in western Madagascar) in August 1897 against the French colonialists,” Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina said during the ceremony.
Stressing that history cannot be forgotten, he noted: “The return of the relics allows us to understand that the memory of those who fought for their country will never fade.”
“She lives on in our hearts, reminding us of our duty to preserve this heritage and build a united and prosperous nation,” he said. “Making Madagascar a prosperous and respected country, steadily developing and occupying its rightful place on all fronts, is the task we have set ourselves and the goal we must achieve.”
The skulls were officially handed over to Madagascar at a ceremony held at the French Ministry of Culture in late August. Following the official ceremony in Antananarivo, they will be transported later this week to the Menabe region in western Madagascar for burial.
Madagascar became a colony of France in 1896 and gained independence on June 26, 1960. –0–
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