The Guardian indicates in its edition last Monday that negotiations for the return of the Parthenon marbles kept at the British Museum to Greece have resumed. The discussions between Giorgos Gerapetritis, the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs and George Osborne, the president of the British Museum concern a “agreement in principle to reunify antiquities in Athens” according to The Guardian. But the sensitive subject of who owns the marbles is not raised.
The agreement is expected to include a cultural partnership between the two countries. After the restitution or long-term loan of the marble sculptures, Greece would undertake to “fill the void” organizing touring exhibitions of important ancient works at the British Museum. This is roughly what was discussed before former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak put an end to it.
UK Prime Minister and Labor Party member Keir Starmer has said he stands by his decision not to oppose a deal between the British Museum and Greece.
The Parthenon Marbles have been on display at the British Museum since their acquisition by Lord Elgin in 1816. British Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, Lord Elgin ordered their removal from the Acropolis of Athens in controversial circumstances. These sculptures from the 5th century BC, sculpted by Phidias, Pericles’ master sculptor, adorned the Parthenon frieze.
In 1816, the British government set up a parliamentary commission which confirmed the legality of the acquisition of the works. In 1963, a law was passed prohibiting the sale or transfer of the museum’s collections, a law which was used as a pretext by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to refuse the return of the marbles. The latter had canceled the meeting planned for November 2023 with Kyriakos Mitsotakis, because the latter, a supporter of the repatriation of the works to Greece, had ” bored “ by making a comment on the subject.
A meeting took place yesterday Tuesday between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis. However, there was no question of the Parthenon marbles, even if the restitution of the treasures remains “a permanent requirement”said Pavlos Marinakis, Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister of Greece, The Guardian. The negotiation process now rests with the British Museum.
The room of the British Museum presenting the marbles of the Parthenon friezes
