Musée Guimet negotiates over stolen statues

France's national museum of Asian art in Paris, Musée Guimet, is negotiating with the Nepalese government over two stolen statues held at the museum.

“We intend to reach an agreement regarding the artefacts in advance of a major show devoted to Nepalese artefacts planned for 2016,” according to a museum spokeswoman.

A 12th-century stone statue of Lord Vishnu, reportedly stolen late 1970s, and a 13th-century statue of Shiva-Uma, that was looted in 1984, were removed from display more than a decade ago, according to Nepalese press reports.

“We have informally discussed the issue with the Nepalese, and they are well aware that the museum purchased the two stelae in good faith, the case will [also] have to be examined under the French law system,” the spokeswoman added.