An auction in France of possessions that belonged to President Léopold Sédar Senghor, Senegal's first president, has been delayed after authorities in the West African nation stepped in to negotiate their purchase from the owner, reports VOA.
Solene Laine, the auctioneer said the auction is being postponed because she and her seller "perfectly understand the excitement caused by this sale among the Senegalese."
Negotiations with Senegalese authorities will be held over the next few weeks with hopes to find "common ground," Laine added.
Laine said the Senegalese state wanted to acquire Senghor's portfolio, which is currently owned by a private individual.
If an agreement cannot be reached over the direct sale of Senghor's possessions to Senegal, the organizers said an auction will be held in December.
Among the items which were to be auctioned in Caen is Senghor's military jewelry and decorations.
Rings, bracelets, pendants and watches were listed as part of the collection.