Originally published June 5, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified June 5, 2007 at 2:01 AM
No pyramids on Portugal stamps, Egypt says
Egypt has refused to allow Portugal to feature its ancient Pyramids of Giza on postage stamps the European country wants to issue coinciding...
CAIRO, Egypt -- Egypt has refused to allow Portugal to feature its ancient Pyramids of Giza on postage stamps the European country wants to issue coinciding with a global contest to name the seven new wonders of the world.
Zahi Hawass, the head of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the pyramids, which date back more than 4,000 years, would not be shown on any stamps.
"The council totally rejects any attempt to put the pyramids, the wonder of world wonders and the only wonder which still exists, on a postage stamp or to be included in a commercial competition which is not subject to scientific criteria," Hawass was quoted as saying Sunday by the official Middle East News Agency.
There was no immediate response from Portuguese officials.
Hawass scoffed earlier this year at the popular online contest, saying it was a disgrace that the pyramids must compete for a spot on a list of new seven wonders.
As a result, officials with the Zurich, Switzerland-based contest decided to honor the pyramids as the only ancient wonder remaining and take it out of the running for the new wonders.
The Egyptian pyramids were on the traditional list of marvels cited by ancient Greek and Roman writers. The other six were the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, Statue of Zeus at Olympia, Mausoleum of Maussollos, Colossus of Rhodes and Lighthouse of Alexandria.
The 20 finalists for the new seven wonders include the Colosseum in Rome, the Great Wall of China, and Petra in Jordan, as well as newer structures such as the Statue of Liberty, the Eiffel Tower and the Sydney Opera House. Organizers say the contest has received millions of votes so far.
The winners are to be announced during a ceremony in Lisbon, Portugal, on July 7.
Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
UPDATE - 09:52 PM
Sources: Obama near decision on Afghanistan troops
Abortion could roil Senate health care debate
Troops in Afghanistan fight swine flu amid war
UPDATE - 08:29 PM
Investigators say Fort Hood suspect acted alone
Salvadoran town hit by landslide buries dead

Pelosi answers questions at Swedish Medical Center
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi answers questions after addressing the media at Swedish Medical Center regarding health care.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
- Police: DNA from officer's slaying matches suspect
- How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
- 3 Cascade Mountain passes close due to snow; more rain, wind expected Sunday
- Prosecutors consider charges against suspect in police shooting
- Steve Kelley | Hasselbeck gives Seahawks' sagging season a stay of execution
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- Teenage serial burglar suspected in more Camano Island burglaries
- The birth of 'Grunge,' in photos by Michael Lavine
- House health bill unacceptable to many in Senate
246 - Prosecutors prepare charges against suspect in police shooting
214 - Pelosi tours Seattle's Swedish after health-care vote
153 - Prosecutors prepare charges against suspect in police shooting
138 - Alleged shooter tied to mosque of 9/11 hijackers
134 - Obama puts heat on Senate to speed health bill
123 - Resolute Fort Hood soldiers ready for return
107 - McGinn more than doubles his lead over Mallahan
92 - Ayn Rand: goddess of the market, gateway to the American right
79 - Cutaia says replay handled properly on Austin TD
66
- For 80-year-old Maple Valley man, hoops aren't just a dream
- Plans call for Triangle to become West Seattle gateway
- 10 ways to take control of your health
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- The birth of 'Grunge,' in photos by Michael Lavine
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
- Taste | Ruth Reichl still reigns as queen of America's culinary scene
- Silver Lake restaurant destroyed by fire
- Pakistani-American cafe, bar owner on verge of being Granite Falls mayor





