This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/entertainment/6927110.stm

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Getty to return Italian treasures Getty to return Italian treasures
(about 1 hour later)
The Getty Museum in Los Angeles has agreed to return priceless artefacts allegedly stolen from Italy.The Getty Museum in Los Angeles has agreed to return priceless artefacts allegedly stolen from Italy.
Under a compromise deal, 40 antiquities will be returned, less than the 46 Italy demanded but more than the 26 offered by the museum last year.Under a compromise deal, 40 antiquities will be returned, less than the 46 Italy demanded but more than the 26 offered by the museum last year.
The items include a prized limestone and marble and statue of the goddess Aphrodite, to be handed over in 2010.The items include a prized limestone and marble and statue of the goddess Aphrodite, to be handed over in 2010.
Rome had threatened to sever ties with Getty over the treasures, which the Italians say were looted.Rome had threatened to sever ties with Getty over the treasures, which the Italians say were looted.
Dispute continuesDispute continues
The Italian culture ministry said in a statement: "Both parties say they are satisfied that, after long and complicated negotiations, an agreement has been reached and now they move ahead with a relationship of renewed cooperation."The Italian culture ministry said in a statement: "Both parties say they are satisfied that, after long and complicated negotiations, an agreement has been reached and now they move ahead with a relationship of renewed cooperation."
The ancient 7ft (2.2m) statue of Aphrodite was bought by Getty for $18mn (£8.9m) two decades ago.The ancient 7ft (2.2m) statue of Aphrodite was bought by Getty for $18mn (£8.9m) two decades ago.
Italian authorities say the 5th Century BC treasure was smuggled from an ancient Greek settlement in Sicily.Italian authorities say the 5th Century BC treasure was smuggled from an ancient Greek settlement in Sicily.
But the two sides continue to dispute the 2,500-year-old bronze Statue of a Victorious Youth, which was fished out of international waters more than 40 years ago.But the two sides continue to dispute the 2,500-year-old bronze Statue of a Victorious Youth, which was fished out of international waters more than 40 years ago.
Earlier this year Getty, the richest art institution in the US with an endowment of $5bn (£2.46m), agreed to return four artefacts to Greece. Earlier this year Getty, the richest art institution in the US with an endowment of $5bn (£2.46bn), agreed to return four artefacts to Greece.