Gov't denies reports of theft of ancient statue

CAIRO - 3 May 2017: News that an ancient statue was stolen from a sealed cemetery at the Giza Pyramids are false, according to the Egyptian Cabinet Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC). The claim had circulated on social media.

Such reports are unfounded, the IDSC said in a Tuesday statement in which it said the Ministry of Antiquities confirmed that the Giza Plateau is "totally secure."

The ministry emphasized the vigilance of the officials and policemen responsible for securing Egypt's antiquities. It reported that those personnel monitor all sightseeing activities in the area daily.

The Ministry of Antiquities asserted its keenness to guard Egyptian antiquities and heritage, which dates back thousands of years.

The ministry appealed to media outlets to exercise more fact-checking when it comes to disseminating information reported on social media. The ministry warned that, at this juncture, reports that make unfounded claims about vital matters such as national treasures might provoke public panic and thus undermine the stability of the nation.