Greek officials optimistic about Parthenon Marbles return after UK meeting

·

Greece’s government is optimistic that the United Kingdom will no longer block the return of the Parthenon Marbles following a key meeting between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and UK Labour leader Keir Starmer on Tuesday, December 3.

Although No. 10 Downing Street insists there has been no change in its position, Greek officials were encouraged by the discussions.

A senior Greek government official said, “We welcome the fact that the British government will not stand in the way if there is an agreement with the British Museum.”

While neither government statement directly mentioned the marbles, the Greek official confirmed that Mitsotakis raised the issue in his one-on-one talks with Starmer.

The Parthenon Marbles, originally part of a frieze from Athens’ Acropolis, were removed in the early 19th century by British diplomat Lord Elgin and have been housed in the British Museum ever since. Greece has long argued they were taken illegally and should be returned to be displayed in Athens, alongside the remaining sculptures.

The British Museum, however, remains governed by a 1963 law that prevents it from permanently returning the marbles, though a loan arrangement could be possible. Efforts to return the sculptures have gained momentum, with 53% of Britons supporting their return, according to a recent poll.

Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni emphasised the international shift in attitudes towards the restitution of cultural artefacts, calling the issue “ethical” and noting that “there is now an international climate that favours the return of cultural goods that have been stolen or forcibly extracted.” She added, “We do believe they will come back.”

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

How younger Greek Australians are redefining mental health conversations

Conversations once hidden in the shadows are now in the spotlight, bringing mental health to the forefront.

NSW urged to act on worsening elder abuse crisis

A new report from Relationships Australia NSW (RANSW) reveals that 15% of elderly Australians are currently experiencing abuse.

More civil war-era mass graves found beneath Greek city park

Another grim discovery has surfaced in Greece, where 14 bodies believed to be victims of civil war-era executions have been unearthed.

Restored classic ‘Boy on a Dolphin’ returns to Greek cinemas after 70 years

Long before Greece became a go-to backdrop for global cinema, one film forever changed how the world saw it — Boy on a Dolphin.

Greece to introduce harsher penalties for dangerous driving under revised highway code

Parliament is expected to approve a revised Highway Code (ΚΟΚ) on Tuesday, introducing tougher penalties for traffic violations.

You May Also Like

Greek-owned ship struck by explosion in Black Sea

A Greek-owned cargo ship struck a mine in the Black Sea on Wednesday while on its way to Ukraine to be loaded with grain.

Archbishop Makarios meets with Bishop Prodromos to discuss missionary work in Madagascar

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia held a cordial meeting with His Eminence Bishop Prodromos of Toliara and Southern Madagascar.

South Australians with Greek heritage among the state’s wealthiest

SA is home to some of the country’s most affluent families, many of whom have made their mark through generations of wealth.