Negotiations between Greece and the British Museum regarding the return of the Elgin Marbles may be nearing fruition, according to a former Greek official, as discussions escalate in the political realm.
Progress Made in Elgin Marbles Negotiations, Former Greek Official Claims
Progress Made in Elgin Marbles Negotiations, Former Greek Official Claims
Former Greek adviser hints at potential deal for Elgin Marbles' return to Greece amid renewed diplomatic talks.
The former Greek government adviser, Prof. Irene Stamatoudi, has suggested that a deal facilitating the return of the Elgin Marbles to Greece is "close.” Speaking to the BBC, she noted that recent negotiations concerning the antiquities—removed from Athens over 200 years ago—appear to have advanced. The sculptures are currently housed in the British Museum, eliciting a long-standing diplomatic dispute between the UK and Greece, with the latter insisting the artifacts were taken unlawfully.
On Tuesday, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with UK opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer in Downing Street, although the issue of the Elgin Marbles was not addressed during their discussions, according to official reports. Nevertheless, sources suggest that negotiations for the sculptures may have gained momentum, hinting at the possibility of a partnership that would include Greece sending other artifacts to London to fill the void left by the Marbles’ potential departure.
Prof. Stamatoudi, who has previously advised the Greek culture minister, expressed optimism about a possible agreement, reiterating that returning the Marbles is of great importance to the Greek populace and is considered a matter of cultural identity. Greek officials have previously voiced their opinions that the sculptures are an integral part of Greece’s heritage.
The diplomatic tension surrounding the Elgin Marbles intensified during the past year, particularly when former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak canceled a meeting with Mitsotakis after the latter signaled that he would raise the issue. While the previous UK government maintained that the Marbles should remain in London, Starmer has shown a more favorable stance towards a possible relocation, contingent upon the establishment of a mutually agreeable arrangement between the British Museum and Greece.
As conversations continue, the potential return of the Elgin Marbles seems to reflect a larger commitment towards strengthening UK-Greece relations, especially during these unpredictable times.
On Tuesday, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with UK opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer in Downing Street, although the issue of the Elgin Marbles was not addressed during their discussions, according to official reports. Nevertheless, sources suggest that negotiations for the sculptures may have gained momentum, hinting at the possibility of a partnership that would include Greece sending other artifacts to London to fill the void left by the Marbles’ potential departure.
Prof. Stamatoudi, who has previously advised the Greek culture minister, expressed optimism about a possible agreement, reiterating that returning the Marbles is of great importance to the Greek populace and is considered a matter of cultural identity. Greek officials have previously voiced their opinions that the sculptures are an integral part of Greece’s heritage.
The diplomatic tension surrounding the Elgin Marbles intensified during the past year, particularly when former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak canceled a meeting with Mitsotakis after the latter signaled that he would raise the issue. While the previous UK government maintained that the Marbles should remain in London, Starmer has shown a more favorable stance towards a possible relocation, contingent upon the establishment of a mutually agreeable arrangement between the British Museum and Greece.
As conversations continue, the potential return of the Elgin Marbles seems to reflect a larger commitment towards strengthening UK-Greece relations, especially during these unpredictable times.
