Russia returns Esterhazy book collection to Austria

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AFP Vienna
Last Updated : Jun 10 2013 | 11:45 PM IST
Russia today officially agreed to hand back to Austria the Esterhazy Library, a priceless collection of nearly 1,000 ancient books seized by Soviet soldiers in 1945.
The accord signed by officials from both countries in Vienna provides for the restitution by the end of the year of 977 books currently sitting in Russian libraries.
"These books hold huge cultural significance for us," Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger said at a news conference.
"I am delighted that, 70 years later, they will be returned to the Esterhazy castle."
The book collection, spanning four centuries, belonged to the House of Esterhazy, a Hungarian noble family based in what is now eastern Austria.
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First Published: Jun 10 2013 | 11:45 PM IST

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