http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4472259.stm
I am elated, of course.
Second obelisk part in Ethiopia
The obelisk is a national religious treasure
The second part of a 1,700-year old stone obelisk looted by Italy nearly 70 years ago has arrived back in Ethiopia.
The Axum obelisk is regarded as one of Ethiopia's national treasures and there were huge celebrations when the first piece arrived on Tuesday.
The final piece is expected on Monday but the monument is not due to be re-erected until September.
Italian troops took the obelisk to Rome in 1937, where it stayed despite a 1947 UN agreement for its return.
The top arrived in Axum on Friday, after the middle piece was sent on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Meles Zenawi is expected to travel to Axum to lead national celebrations on Monday, when the final, bottom, section is due to return, reports the AP news agency.
Click here for details of the transfer
The ornately decorated 24-metre (78ft) obelisk is regarded as an outstanding example of architecture from the ancient city of Axum, itself seen as one of the four great kingdoms of the ancient world.
It stood for years outside the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation in Rome, despite an Italian commitment to send it back to Ethiopia.
Technical difficulties
It was eventually dismantled by Italian experts in 2004 in readiness for its journey home.
Ethiopians celebrate return
Obelisk points to past glory
The operation is costing Italy an estimated 6m euros ($7.7m).
But the obelisk's return had been beset by "technical difficulties" and repeatedly postponed.
The most recent delay came just last week, when it was postponed "indefinitely" amid concerns that the airstrip at Axum could not handle the cargo plane.
The 160-ton monument had to be broken into three pieces.
The delay was a disappointment for Ethiopians and the country's government, which had planned a national celebration to mark the return of the obelisk.
AXUM OBELISK
1,700 years old
Weighs 160 tons
24m tall
Looted in 1937
Return costing $7.7m
Due to be re-erected in September
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Shortly after the return of the first part of the obelisk, traditional dancers took to the streets of Axum to celebrate.
The obelisk is to be re-erected after the rains in September.
Many Ethiopians see the obelisk as a vital national symbol, and the prospect of its return stirs strong emotions.
Lattanzi, the Italian company responsible for transporting the obelisk to Axum, has described the obelisk as the largest, heaviest object ever transported by air.
In addition, the airstrip at Axum had to be upgraded to handle the vast Antonov-124 aircraft, and radar was installed.
I am elated, of course.
