Former Greek Official Suggests Parthenon Sculptures Agreement Is Nearing

An agreement that could facilitate the return of the Parthenon Sculptures to Greece is “close,” a former advisor to the Greek government has informed the BBC. Professor Irene Stamatoudi indicated that it “seems negotiations have gone forward” regarding the relocation of these ancient artifacts, also known as the Elgin Marbles, which were removed from Athens over 200 years ago and are currently displayed at the British Museum. This announcement coincided with a meeting between Sir Keir Starmer and his Greek counterpart for discussions in Downing Street on Tuesday, although it remains unclear whether the Elgin Marbles were a subject of their talks. An official account of the meeting released by No 10 made no mention of the sculptures, despite Greece’s public broadcaster ERT claiming the issue had been raised. A Downing Street spokesperson declined to comment on whether the matter was discussed, stating only: “Understandably, the Greek Prime Minister would have raised many issues but… their discussion focused on areas of shared cooperation.” The meeting took place amidst reports suggesting recent progress in talks concerning a deal for the statues to be moved to Athens. The status of the sculptures has been a source of diplomatic tension between the UK and Greece for decades. Greece asserts they were stolen, a claim the British Museum rejects, maintaining they were legally obtained. Discussions between Greece and the museum have been ongoing since 2021. Professor Stamatoudi, who advised the Greek culture minister during previous Elgin Marbles negotiations, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that she believes “a deal is close” but was unsure if it was “close enough.” She stated that the Greek government has proposed a “cultural, strategic partnership” that would involve sending other antiquities to the British Museum to fill the gallery space that would become vacant following any return. Negotiations regarding what could be sent to the British Museum are “secret,” Professor Stamatoudi said, adding that while she is not personally involved in this round of talks, she believes it would involve “antiquities that attract public attention.” Professor Stamatoudi affirmed that securing the return is something “all Greeks are passionate about,” as the antiquities are widely considered to be part of the country’s “cultural heritage.” Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has made the repatriation of the Elgin Marbles a political priority. The issue led to a diplomatic disagreement last year when then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak cancelled a planned meeting with Mitsotakis after the latter indicated he would use the meeting to raise the issue. The previous government maintained that the sculptures should remain in the museum. While in opposition, Labour’s view was that they would not obstruct a loan arrangement between the British Museum and Athens if one were established. Government sources in Athens have informed Greek media that Mitsotakis intends to “pick up the thread” with Starmer, following a meeting between the two in November 2023. Earlier this week, Greek government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said Mitsotakis would raise the issue again with Starmer but emphasized that it was more a matter for the British Museum than the government. He also denied a Sky News report that three private meetings had taken place between senior Greek officials and members of the British Museum board of directors. When asked if they discussed the potential return of the marbles, Starmer’s official spokesman stated: “The government’s position is that 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.” Downing Street also indicated that the government had not been asked to consider any return proposal by the British Museum. Starmer is perceived as more receptive to the relocation of the statues than his predecessor, provided an agreement can be reached between the Greek government and the British Museum. The Elgin Marbles 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. They were removed by British aristocrat Lord Elgin while Athens was part of the Ottoman Empire and sustained significant damage during their transit to London, where they have been displayed since. A law known as the 1963 British Museum Act prevents the removal of objects from the British Museum’s collection. The trustees of the British Museum are exploring the possibility of a special loan arrangement with Greece. However, the Greek government has previously stated its refusal to agree to a loan, as this would imply recognition of the British Museum’s ownership of the sculptures. Additional reporting by Tom Symonds and Nikos Papanikolaou. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.