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Australia returns smuggled fossils to China
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-09-30 13:41
CANBERRA -- Australia has returned 10,000 fossils dating back millions of
years, including fossils of dinosaur eggs and ancient turtles, that had been
illegally exported from China.
The valuable fossils were seized by Australia's Department of Environment and
Heritage following a request from China in 2003, Australian Environment Minister
Ian Campbell said in a statement on Friday.
"Some of the fossils are up to 230 million years old with a total value of
between A$4 million ($3 million) and A$5 million," Campbell said.
"Their recovery and return to the Chinese people will help ensure they are
protected for future generations."
Justice Minister Chris Ellison said some of the fossils had been bought by
Australians who were unaware they were purchasing illegal Chinese exports.
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