Diplomatic Showdown: Meeting Canceled as Britain and Greece Lock Horns in Parthenon Sculptures Dispute
The dispute over the ownership of the Parthenon Sculptures has led to the cancellation of a meeting between the Prime Ministers of Britain and Greece, sparking a diplomatic row. Greece demands the return of the sculptures, while the UK maintains they belong to Britain. Discussions between Greek officials and the British Museum continue.
The dispute between Britain and Greece over the ownership of the Parthenon Sculptures, also known as the Elgin Marbles, has escalated, leading to the cancellation of a planned meeting between the leaders of both countries. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis had intended to discuss the return of the ancient sculptures during the meeting at 10 Downing Street, but British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak abruptly called off the meeting, citing a breach of assurances. The U.K. government maintains that the ownership of the marbles is settled and that they rightfully belong to Britain.
UK PM Sunak rudely cancels meeting with Greek PM Mitsotakis last minute
— K Boz (@KBoz3) November 28, 2023
Mitsotakis points to the ongoing dispute over the Parthenon sculptures, a national treasure for Greece that Britain appropriated
The great pyramid of Giza would be in the British museum if it were small… pic.twitter.com/I0UFgb5Dx8
However, Greece has long demanded the return of the sculptures, which were removed from the Parthenon temple in Athens by British diplomat Lord Elgin in the 19th century. The cancellation of the meeting has sparked a diplomatic row, with both sides blaming each other for the breakdown in discussions. The Greek government denies that Mitsotakis had agreed not to raise the issue in public, while British officials were reportedly frustrated that he had made public statements comparing the removal of the sculptures to cutting the Mona Lisa in half.
Opposition parties in Greece, as well as some British opposition parties and a campaign group advocating for the return of the marbles, have criticized Sunak's decision to cancel the meeting. They argue that the issue goes beyond party differences and is a moral issue concerning the theft of cultural wealth. Discussions between Greek officials and the British Museum, where the marbles are currently housed, are ongoing. While the museum is legally banned from returning the sculptures to Greece, talks of a compromise such as a long-term loan have been held.
However, with the cancellation of the meeting, it appears that the U.K. government's position has hardened, with Transport Secretary Mark Harper stating that the marbles should remain as part of the British Museum's permanent collection. Despite the cancellation, Greek officials have stated that discussions with the British Museum will continue. They are determined to pursue the return, or reunification as they refer to it, of the marbles to Athens.
The issue is of great significance to Greece, and the government sees it as a matter of national pride and the restitution of cultural heritage. The dispute over the Parthenon Marbles not only impacts the relationship between Greece and the U.K., but also overshadowed the opportunity for both leaders to discuss other global matters, such as migration and the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. Both countries hope to resolve the issue and maintain their normally good ties, despite the current setback.
