British push back against EU: “Elgin Marbles don’t belong to Greece”

·

Brits have shared their fury at the European Union demanding the UK hands over the Elgin Marbles back to Greece as part of a trade deal between Britain and the bloc.

The EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier said the bloc was ready to offer an “ambitious partnership” with the UK post-Brexit.

“A trade agreement that includes in particular fishing and includes a level playing field, with a country that has a very particular proximity – a unique territorial and economic closeness – which is why it can’t be compared to Canada or South Korea or Japan.”

His comments came as an EU document showed his negotiating mandate would include “addressing issues relating to the return or restitution of unlawfully removed cultural objects to their countries of origin.”

A diplomatic source claimed this was a reference to the ancient Greek statues in the British Museum, known as the Parthenon marbles.

But many readers expressed their fury at the EU’s plot on Express.co.uk’s Facebook page.

Bob Wheeler said: “Keep the marbles, keep the fisheries. We have been very generous, we gave them their freedom twice.”

Meanwhile, Chris Allen called Mr Barnier a “dreamer”. “Not a chance, you can’t have the marbles. They’re British owned since 1816, really Mr Barnier, get real, you are a dreamer.”

The Parthenon marbles have been a controversial matter for more than 200 years.

Acropolis Museum in Athens, which has the remaining sculptures that were left in Greece, has even left an empty space in the hope of their return.

However, a government spokeswoman said the marbles would not be up for discussion during next month’s trade talks.

She said: “The EU are still finalising their mandate – this is currently in draft. The UK’s position on the Parthenon sculptures remains unchanged – they are legal responsibility of the British Museum. That is not up for discussion as part of our trade negotiations.”

Meanwhile the UK Telegraph recently posted an article with the title “The Elgin Marbles don’t ‘belong’ to Greece, they belong to us all

With reference to Express.co.uk

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek Deputy Foreign Minister holds talks with Victorian Premier, visits Hellenic Museum

Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Loverdos met with Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and toured the Hellenic Museum in Melbourne.

Greek PM reveals Sinai Monastery deal, calls for foreign policy unity

Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced an agreement with Egypt securing the future of St Catherine’s Monastery at Mount Sinai.

Controversial 13-hour workday law passes in Greece amid protests

Greece’s parliament has passed a controversial labour reform allowing employees to work up to 13 hours a day, despite fierce protests.

From Cyprus to Carina: The 70-year legacy of Chris Nicolaou’s family store

Chris Nicolaou had two main goals when he arrived in Australia from Cyprus in 1955. The first was to be his own boss.

Greek community unites for heart health at AHEPA Australia’s fundraiser

AHEPA Australia hosted its Saving Hearts Fundraiser on Sunday, October 12, at The Grand Roxy in Brighton-Le-Sands, Sydney, raising over $2k.

You May Also Like

Greece’s island communities face population crisis

The demographic decline in Greece is hitting its islands hard, with Lemnos and Agios Efstratios showing alarming signs of aging populations.

Consul General of Greece in Sydney meets with Professor Tamar Hodos

The Consul General of Greece in Sydney meets with newly appointed Director of the Australian Archaeological Institute at Athens.

Melbourne’s Epocha restaurant to close after more than a decade

Epocha, the iconic European restaurant in Carlton run by Angie Giannakodakis and Guy Holder, will close down after 12 years in service.