British Museum’s Parthenon Marbles deal with Greece ‘still some distance’ away

·

The head of the British Museum, George Osborne, has said a deal to return the Parthenon Marbles to Athens is still far from being reached. While discussions are ongoing with Greek officials, Osborne confirmed the museum is exploring an agreement where some sculptures might return to Athens in exchange for Greek treasures being displayed in London.

Speaking on the Political Currency podcast, Osborne cautioned that an agreement is not imminent. “We’re still some distance from any kind of agreement,” he said, noting that any resolution would involve some of the marbles being returned to Athens, where they originated from, while Greece would lend treasures to the British Museum.

Photo: Facundo Arrizabalaga / EPA.

The Parthenon Marbles, which form part of a 2,500-year-old frieze, were stolen from the Acropolis by British diplomat Lord Elgin in the early 19th century.

Osborne also praised UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s approach to the issue, noting that Starmer is more open to the return of the marbles than his predecessor, Rishi Sunak. Osborne said Starmer had emphasised that the decision rests with the British Museum’s trustees, independent of the government.

Discussions about a potential “Parthenon Partnership” are described by both sides as “constructive,” with a British Museum spokesperson suggesting it could balance global access to the collection while maintaining its integrity.

Source: Ekathimerini.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Greece gifts ‘Virgin Mary of the Bees’ icon to Notre Dame for reopening

Greece presented a religious icon of the Virgin Mary, known as "Panagia Melissou" (Virgin Mary of the Bees), to Notre Dame Cathedral.

Greece suspends Syrian asylum bids amid Assad regime collapse

Greece has suspended the processing of asylum applications from Syrian nationals, affecting around 9,000 applicants.

Greek footballers unite with young talents and legends at Lambert Park

On Sunday, young students from the Football Brilliance Academy held training sessions in the presence of Greek football royalty.

Record crowds and kefi: St Nicholas paniyiri brings Canberra to life

The Greek Orthodox Church of St Nicholas in Canberra came alive on Sunday as hundreds gathered for the annual St Nicholas Paniyiri.

Inaugural Pharos Alliance Symposium in Victoria hailed a success

The Pharos Alliance Symposium organising committee has extended its thanks to all who contributed to the success of its inaugural Symposium.

You May Also Like

How Greece could line up at the 2021 World Cup

With a squad of mixed heritage players and representatives from the growing Greek domestic league, Serious About Rugby League writes about how they could potentially line up:

Alexander team defeats Malvern City in Greek Community Cup

The Inaugural Greek Community Cup began the tournament at the Partridge Street Reserve in Lalor on Saturday.

George Papandreou and Nikos Androulakis to face off for the KINAL leadership

European Parliament lawmaker, Nikos Androulakis, will face former PM, George Papandreou, in a runoff on Sunday for the leadership of KINAL.