British Museum Chairman: Parthenon Sculptures Deal ‘Still Some Distance’ Away

The chairman of the British Museum has stated that an agreement for the return of the Parthenon Sculptures to Greece is “still some distance” away. George Osborne, the former Tory chancellor, was responding to comments made this week by a former adviser to the Greek government, who indicated that “negotiations have gone forward” and that a deal was “close.” Greece maintains that these ancient antiquities, also known as the Elgin Marbles, were illegally removed from Athens’ acropolis, and has long advocated for their repatriation from the museum. Mr. Osborne suggested that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had contributed to a more constructive tone for negotiations and mentioned that the museum is exploring the possibility of a long-term loan. By law, the British Museum is prohibited from permanently giving away any of its artifacts. Consequently, any potential arrangement would involve the museum temporarily lending the Elgin Marbles back to Greece in exchange for a rotating display of other Greek artifacts. Speaking on the Political Currency podcast, which he co-hosts with former Labour politician Ed Balls, Mr. Osborne remarked, “we made a lot of progress on that, but we’re still some distance from any kind of agreement.” Downing Street has indicated that the prime minister is unlikely to obstruct such a deal. However, the government has no plans to change the law to permit the permanent relocation of the sculptures. The status of the sculptures has been a source of diplomatic tension between the UK and Greece for decades. Professor Irene Stamatoudi, a former Greek government adviser, informed the BBC on Tuesday that a deal for the return of the Parthenon Sculptures was “close.” This announcement coincided with a meeting between Sir Keir Starmer and his Greek counterpart for talks in Downing Street, though it remains unclear whether the Elgin Marbles were discussed. An official account of the meeting released by No 10 made no mention of them, although Greece’s public broadcaster ERT claimed they had been raised during the discussions. A Downing Street spokesperson declined to comment on whether or not they were brought up. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has made securing the return of the Elgin Marbles a political priority. He previously stated that having some of the sculptures in the UK and the rest in Athens was “like cutting the Mona Lisa in half.” Tensions between the two countries over the artifacts neared a critical point in November last year, when then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak canceled a meeting with Mr. Mitsotakis at the last minute. Mr. Osborne contrasted the former Conservative Prime Minister’s approach with Sir Keir’s, saying: “It is not the same as Rishi Sunak, who refused to see the Greek prime minister, if you remember, he sort of stood him up.” He added, “So it seems to me a more sensible and diplomatic way to proceed.” The sculptures were crafted in the 5th century BC and were originally displayed in the Parthenon in Athens. They are considered among the most prized antiquities from the Ancient Greek period. British aristocrat Lord Elgin removed them over 200 years ago, while Athens was part of the Ottoman Empire. They sustained significant damage during their transport to London, where they have been displayed ever since. Greece has long maintained that the sculptures were stolen, but the British Museum rejects this claim and states they were legally obtained.