Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has reportedly held private discussions with British Museum officials about the possible return of the Parthenon Marbles.
According to The Independent, Mitsotakis is said to have met with museum trustees and its chair, George Osborne, on up to three occasions this year. He was accompanied by Greece’s Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis.
The discussions came ahead of Mitsotakis’ visit to the UK, where he is expected to meet Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer on Tuesday.
Sir Keir is reportedly more open to the return of the Parthenon Marbles than former prime ministers, though the UK government maintains it has “no plans to change existing government policy on restitution,” leaving decisions to the British Museum.
The Parthenon Marbles, stolen from Athens’ Parthenon temple in the early 19th century by Lord Elgin and displayed in the British Museum since 1816, remain a point of contention between Greece and the United Kingdom. Greece argues they were illegally acquired during foreign occupation, a claim the British Museum denies.
Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni has proposed rotating exhibitions of antiquities to replace the marbles if they are returned. However, she emphasised that any agreement must comply with Greek cultural heritage laws.
The marbles’ potential return continues to stir debate, with both sides holding firm on their positions.
Source: The Independent.
