Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Ahmed Issa issued a ministerial decision on Saturday to form a higher scientific committee to review the joint project between the Supreme Council of Antiquities and the Japanese Waseda University archaeological mission, submitted to conduct architectural restoration work for the Pyramid of Menkaure.
A statement from the ministry said that the committee will be headed by archaeologist and former Antiquities Minister Zahi Hawass. It will be comprised of senior scientists specializing in antiquities, especially pyramids, and engineering including Egyptians and foreigners from the US, the Czech Republic, and Germany.
After completing their review, the committee will then prepare a detailed scientific report on the results of its work, the conclusions of the scientific review, and take a decision on whether or not to move forward with the project.
The report is also scheduled to include all procedures and steps that must be followed for the required coordination with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The committee will also submit this report to be presented to the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities for approval before starting any work on the ground related to the Pyramid of Menkaure project and the surrounding area.
The Supreme Council of Antiquities will provide the committee with all data, information and documents related to the project, in order for it to optimally complete its work.
Once the committee is finished and the report is presented to the minister, an international press conference will be organized to announce the results reached by the committee and the fate of the project.
