Roman archeological site of Stobi, in southeast Macedonia

The flag of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) flies on October 3, 2009 at the ancient Roman archeological site of Stobi, in southeast Macedonia, 120 kms from the capital Skopje. Stobi has for years attracted numerous visitors, scientists and tourists, but also thieves. A large part of the area has yet to be excavated, so officials introduced a 24-hour security of the site. Macedonia has vowed to put a halt to illegal excavations of archaeologic sites which have already destroyed a number of locations, but the smugglers seem to be always a step ahead from the police.

Part of a Roman-era sculpture extracted in 2009 at the ancient Roman archeological site of Stobi, in southeast Macedonia, 120 kms from the capital Skopje is displayed at the site on October 3, 2009. Stobi has for years attracted numerous visitors, scientists and tourists, but also thieves. A large part of the area has yet to be excavated, so officials introduced a 24-hour security of the site. The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) has vowed to put a halt to illegal excavations of archaeologic sites which have already destroyed a number of locations, but the smugglers seem to be always a step ahead from the police.