Getty to return Aphrodite, 39 others

Italian officials just announced a deal with the Getty museum to return 40 disputed pieces from antiquity, including the 5th century B.C. statue of the goddess Aphrodite. She will remain here and on display until 2010 under the agreement. Italy and the Getty also agreed on widespread cultural cooperation, which will include loans of other treasures to the Los Angeles museum, the Culture Ministry said in a statement. "Both parties declare themselves satisfied with the fact that, after long and complicated negotiations, an agreement has been reached and now they move ahead with a relationship of renewed cooperation," the statement said. AP, LA Times