UK PM rebuffs Greek PM’s demand for talks on Parthenon marbles

·

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has told his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis that the repatriation of the Parthenon marbles is one for the British Museum. 

Mitsotakis raised the issue with Johnson in Downing Street on Tuesday, Johnson’s office said. 

“The Prime Minister (Johnson) said that he understood the strength of feeling of the Greek people on this issue, but reiterated the UK’s longstanding position that this matter is one for the trustees of the British Museum,” a statement said.

This contradicted Mitsotakis, who said last week the issue was a matter for negotiation between the two governments. 

Known in Britain as the Elgin Marbles, the sculptures make up about half of a 160-meter frieze that adorned the Parthenon, a 5th century BC architectural masterpiece. Most of the other surviving sculptures are in Athens.

The British Museum says there are no current discussions with the Greek government on the issue. It says Elgin acted legally when he removed the sculptures from Athens, and they are “a vital element in this interconnected world collection”.

Johnson had told a Greek newspaper in March that the sculptures “were legally acquired by Lord Elgin under the appropriate laws of the time and have been legally owned by the British Museum’s trustees since their acquisition”.

Mitsotakis told Britain’s Daily Telegraph newspaper last week that “the marbles were stolen in the 19th century, they belong in the Acropolis Museum and we need to discuss this issue in earnest.”

Source: Reuters

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

NT misses out on ALDI, but Greek Australian locals say fresh is best

While many Northern Territory locals say they would welcome an ALDI, some are happy to shop local for fresh produce.

Victoria Police seek public help to locate wanted man Peter Tsimiklis

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate Peter Tsimiklis. The 46-year-old is wanted on warrant.

Thanasis Nicolaou case Judge to appeal termination

Former Cypriot judge Doria Varoshiotou will appeal her dismissal after the judicial council ruled she was unfit to serve as a tenured judge.

Thousands evacuated as wildfires rage across Crete and Attica

Greece has been grappling with a series of wildfires this week, with the most severe outbreak taking place on the island of Crete.

Greek hopes end as Maria Sakkari eliminated by former Wimbledon champion

Greece’s Maria Sakkari has been knocked out of Wimbledon in the second round, following a straight-sets defeat to Elena Rybakina.

You May Also Like

Bank of Greece head worried over risk of new global economic recession

Bank of Greece governor Yiannis Stournaras on Thursday expressed his concern over the risk of a new global economic recession. He warned that in such...

Sunday school at St Sophia and her Three Daughters in Sydney hold Christmas event

The Sunday School of the Parish of Saint Sophia and her Three Daughters at Darlinghurst, Sydney held a Christmas celebration.

Anthony Albanese MP praises Greek community in heartfelt Easter message

Federal Labor leader, Anthony Albanese, has sent a message to mark Orthodox Easter this year. Read the full message here.