Iceland News Briefs

The prime ministers of Denmark and Iceland have decided to initiate consideration of how to address questions involving the return of Icelandic antiquities in Danish museums. Prime Minister David Oddsson (Independence Party) said that Iceland had no legal claim against Denmark regarding the antiquities. Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen is convinced a solution satisfactory to both countries will be found. The prime ministers met last week in Copenhagen at the end of Oddsson's official visit to the country. Rasmussen, referring to the issue of ancient Icelandic manuscripts, said that Denmark's decision in 1965 to return the manuscripts had been correct in a historical context and "benefited both countries". He also said that Oddsson had raised the issue of Icelandic antiquities in Danish museums at their meeting, and they had decided to have the matter investigated and discuss it further at a later date. Oddsson said that Iceland would always be thankful to Denmark for returning the manuscripts. However, he said that Icelandic antiquities still in Danish museums were of an entirely different nature. "We do not think we have any claims against Denmark for their return," he said. At their joint press meeting, Rasmussen said that collaboration between Iceland and Denmark on peacekeeping affairs in Iraq had gone extremely well, and that Danes would be pleased to continue it in other locations.