A controversy erupted in parliament this week when MP Ahmed Ezz, who is also a leading member of the ruling National Democratic Party, suggested an amendment that would legalize trade in antiquities. Ezz's suggestion was promptly shot down by other members of parliament and Zahi Hawass, the chairman of the Supreme Council of Antiquities. Al-Masry Al-Youm hit the streets to find out what the average Egyptian thinks of legalizing the sale of ancient artifacts. Yasser Adel, 40, programmer: “If it is good source for money, I'll totally agree. But I don't think it will be a good idea if there was money and no one benefited from it. So I'd only agree if there was a direct benefit like paying debts or solving problems.” Ahmed Hussein, 28, civil engineer: “I totally disagree. First of all, we have 1/8 from the world's monuments, so we don't have the right to trade in it, as they're not only ours. Secondly, it's a national income. Moreover, mummification's secret isn't revealed so far, but if it was just an ordinary exchange for monuments, why not?” Maha Saad, 45, general manager of financial affairs at the Ministry of Justice: “I read about it in today's paper. But I think it's not a good idea as it will make smuggling much easier, which won't be, of course, in the country's favor.” Salwa Shehata, 60, employee at the Ministry of Health: “Monuments are smuggled out of the country anyhow. I wonder if there are even any monuments left!” Fatma Imam, 23, medical equipment engineer: “Of course I don't approve the idea! They are the country's monuments. How can we trade in our history? I know it will be a good source of income, but the idea is really awkward.” Hossam Mashhour, 47, administrative manager at the Ministry of Justice: “Indeed these monuments are priceless. Trading in monuments would mean selling our country, even if it was a good source for money.” Ahmed Mohamed, 27, programmer: “These monuments are stolen anyway, and no one benefits from it, but if it'll be a good source for income, I'll agree.”
