Although the thorny issue of the return to Greece of the Parthenon Marbles was not officially on the agenda of talks between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his British counterpart Keir Starmer at Downing St on Tuesday, the topic received major coverage particularly after British media reported that the two sides were close to a deal with the Economist saying this could possibly be as early as in 2025.
More specifically, a BBC report earlier on Tuesday, quoted former Greek Culture Ministry advisor Irene Stamatoudi as saying that negotiations “have gone forward”. Stamatoudi went on to add that a deal was “close”.
At the same time, Greece’s public broadcaster ERT reported on Tuesday that the issue was discussed after all in view of the British Museum’s Western Range Gallery upcoming overhaul.
Over the last few years, Greece has intensified efforts to retrieve the 2,500-year-old ancient Greek artworks which were illegally removed by Lord Elgin in the 1800s and later sold to the British Museum, where they are among its most profitable exhibits.
UK Urged to Comply to Int’l Rules
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and UK PM Keir Starmer ahead of their meeting in London on December 3, 2024. Photo: Justin Tallis /Pool via REUTERS
Earlier this year, the repatriation of the Parthenon Marbles was discussed during the 24th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for Promoting the Return of Cultural Property to its Countries of Origin or its Restitution in case of Illicit Appropriation (ICPRCP) held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
Greece has repeatedly cited international rulings for the Marbles’ return. It is reminded that before being removed, the sculptures were part of the Parthenon on the Acropolis, an UNESCO World Heritage site protected under these rules.
Greece’s Culture Minister Lina Mendoni has reiterated that the Parthenon Sculptures are an integral part of Greek cultural heritage and has called on the UK to comply with UNESCO recommendations and decisions. Greece has also referred to the lacking maintenance of the sculputres by the British Museum on top of its unyielding stance.
The return of the Greek sculptures has been on the UNESCO agenda for more than 40 years.
Support Grows for Return of Parthenon Sculptures
In the meantime, the number of supporters worldwide calling for the Sculptures’ return to Greece is growing. In one more poll published this week, 53% of British nationals believe the Greek art works should be returned.
Last year, British PM Rishi Sunak canceled a scheduled meeting in London with Mitsotakis after the latter said he would be tabling the issue. Sunak was widely condemned for his decision.
Commenting on the issue to BBC last year, Mitsotakis reiterated that the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece is more about “reunification” than ownership. He did add however that the Marbles had been “stolen”.
“If I told you [to] cut the Mona Lisa in half… do you think your viewers would appreciate the beauty of the painting,” said Mitsotakis, in an attempt to convey his message.
Outside Downing St on Tuesday, British reporters insisted on shouting out questions about the ongoing Marbles dispute.
Starmer’s spokesperson reiterated the British government’s position: “We have no plans to change the law that would permit a permanent move, and that the case of decisions relating to the care and management and sculptures are a matter for the trustees for the British Museum, which is operationally independent of the government.”
