London
29
11
2022
Mitsotakis: A mutually beneficial solution for the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures is possible
Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Monday there was “progress” and a sense of “momentum” in talks with Britain to reunite the Parthenon Sculptures in Greece.
Parthenon Sculptures in the British Museum (© Claudiodivizia)
Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Monday there was “progress” and a sense of “momentum” in talks with Britain to reunite the Parthenon Sculptures in Greece.
Athens has campaigned to have the “Elgin Marbles”, as they are often known - 75 metres of Parthenon frieze, 15 metopes and 17 sculptures - returned from the British Museum since they were removed by British diplomat Lord Elgin in the early 19th century when he was ambassador to the Ottoman Empire then ruling Greece.
“We have seen progress,” Mitsotakis said during an event at the London School of Economics, saying that while discussions remained private, the reunification of the sculptures could be a “win-win solution”.
The British Museum bought the marbles in 1816 and British officials say they had been acquired legally by Elgin, a claim Greece denies.
“I do sense the momentum (to reunite the sculptures),” Mitsotakis added.
