France to OK Louvre annex in Abu Dhabi

PARIS -- France's culture minister will approve the construction of an annex to the Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi, his office said Saturday, despite criticism in art circles that the government is playing loose with France's artistic treasures.

Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres will sign an accord in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday paving the way for establishing the affiliate of the celebrated Paris museum, his office said, without providing details.