Greece’s President Konstantinos Tassoulas recently received the presidents of the National Committees for the Reunification of the Parthenon Marbles in Athens, in the presence of Culture Minister Lina Mendoni.
Among the delegates was Emanuel Comino, Vice-President of the International Association for the Reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures (IARPS) and President of the Australian Committee, who joined counterparts from Britain, Belgium, Sweden, Switzerland, Serbia, and the United States.
Tassoulas praised their efforts, noting that campaigns worldwide had created “a very favourable current in public opinion for our vision,” particularly in Britain.
“Reunification is not a matter of victory or defeat,” he said. “No one will be defeated if the Sculptures return and are reunited, because the request concerns the global cultural community and is ultimately universal.”
He highlighted Greece’s record in protecting and restoring the Acropolis monuments and the success of the Acropolis Museum, which for 16 years has refuted claims that Greece lacked the facilities to house the sculptures.
The committees are expected to hold further consultations with Mendoni to coordinate next steps in the international campaign.
