Despite the disruption of trans-atlanic flights due to recent volcanic activity in Iceland, Dr. Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities was both present to open the press viewing of the King Tut NYC/ Return of the King exhibit on April 21 2010, and was, as always, a most engaging and passionate speaker. In the course of his remarks, Dr. Hawass explained that, while the Egyptian government does not charge for the loan of such artifacts, it has all too often been the case that the proceeds from such exhibitions remain with the host countries and institutions, rather than being employed to support conservation and exploration in Egypt itself.
He recapped the dramatic results of ongoing forensic and DNA testing on a subset of royal remains
