UNESCO puts pressure on UK to hold talks with Greece over Parthenon Marbles

·

In a potentially game-changing development in Athens’ near 40-year campaign to repatriate the Parthenon Marbles, currently exhibited at the British Museum, a UNESCO committee has issued a decision urging the United Kingdom to enter into talks with Greece over the dispute.

Sources told Ekathimerini the decision by the “Return and Restitution” intergovernmental committee, also known as ICPRCP, at its session in Paris late September “shook” British officials as it effectively elevated the dispute between Greece and the London-based institution into a government-to-government issue.

The decision marks a shift in ICPRCP policy, which had over the past 34 years issued 17 recommendations.

The Parthenon Marbles currently reside in the British Museum.

Speaking to Ekathimerini, a spokesperson for the British Museum did not directly comment on the development.

“Museums holding Greek works… are naturally united to show the importance of the legacy of ancient Greece,” the spokesperson said, adding that the institution “is committed to playing its full part in sharing the value of that legacy.”

“The trustees want to strengthen existing good relations with colleagues and institutions in Greece, and to explore collaborative ventures directly between institutions, not on a government-to-government basis,” the spokesperson said. 

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Mytilenians strike gold at first-ever Hellenic Bowling Cup in Sydney

The inaugural Hellenic Bowling Cup rolled into action over the weekend, bringing together Samians, Kytherians, and Mytilenians in Sydney.

The 30th Greek Film Festival of Sydney to be presented by Benchmark Greek Law

The 30th Greek Film Festival of Sydney has announced its presenting partner for 2025, Benchmark Greek Law.

Greek Australians heading to Europe face travel disruption as Middle East conflict escalates

Airlines with flights between Australia, the Middle East and Europe are rerouting services and cancelling flights due to Middle East conflict

Tomaras brothers plead guilty over twin attacks in Sydney’s Glebe

Wolli Creek brothers Yianni Tomaras, 33, and Meneleos Tomaras, 30, have pleaded guilty to affray after attacking a former friend twice.

Cumberland Councillor Steve Christou slams rate hike amid cost-of-living crisis

Former Cumberland mayor and current councillor Steve Christou was the lone voice opposing a 7.1% council rate rise at this week’s meeting.

You May Also Like

How Greek locals and Hollywood stars joined forces to make ‘Mamma Mia’ musical

The hit feature film ‘Mamma Mia’, set partly on the breath-taking Greek island of Skopelos is set to celebrate its 15th birthday this month.

NSW Labor Leader visits the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia

The NSW Labor Leader, Chris Minns MP, visited the offices of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA) in Redfern, Sydney.

GOCSA kicks off Greek bicentennial celebrations with Gala evening and wreath laying ceremony

With a Gala Evening, the Greek Orthodox Community of SA (GOCSA) kicked off this year’s celebrations for the Greek bicentennial.