BBC: why the meeting between Sunak and Mitsotakis was canceled

The sudden cancellation of a meeting between Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his British counterpart Rishi Sunak has sparked diplomatic tension between the two countries.

The BBC, in its report a few minutes after the cancellation of the meeting became known, reported, among other things, that the British government had confirmed the cancellation of the meeting and that Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Downden would meet with the Greek Prime Minister. But, according to the Greek side, Kyriakos Mitsotakis refused and curtailed his visit to Britain.

What government sources say about the meeting’s cancellation

Government sources call “diplomatic foul” British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s decision to cancel a planned meeting with Kyriakos Mitsotakis hours before it was due to take place. They add that it was planned and Mr Sunak was apparently annoyed that The Greek Prime Minister told the BBC. In any case, they emphasize that this issue does not concern the British government, but the British Museum, with whom we are and will continue to have discussions.

It is worth noting that the information to the Greek side about the cancellation of the meeting was given at a time when the Greek Prime Minister had a meeting with the head of the British Labor Party, Keir Starmer (which Sunak was aware of). Following the cancellation of the meeting, Kyriakos Mitsotakis cut short his visit to Britain and will return to Greece tomorrow morning.

What the BBC wrote about this:

“Sunak canceled a meeting with the Greek Prime Minister because of the Parthenon sculptures. A diplomatic dispute broke out between the British and Greek governments over the Elgin Marbles.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was due to meet Rishi Sunak in London, but Downing Street canceled the meeting at the last minute. A spokesman for the Greek prime minister told the BBC he was “disappointed” the meeting was canceled “at the 11th hour”. The British government confirmed that the meeting had been cancelled. The cancellation of the meeting came days after Mitsotakis told the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg that the marble sculptures should be returned.

“The Prime Minister is disappointed that Prime Minister Sunak canceled their bilateral meeting at 11am today,” Greece said in a statement. Greece and Britain have a very deep history of friendship and cooperation, and the Greek government is extremely surprised by this decision. The Prime Minister expected to discuss a number of issues of mutual interest, including the conflict between Israel and Gaza, Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, climate change, as well as general issues such as migration and, of course, the Parthenon sculptures.”

Sources familiar with the mood of the Greek government said Mitsotakis was “confused and irritated.” The meeting was due to take place tomorrow afternoon and would last 45 minutes, according to the BBC.

But Mitsotakis’ appearance on the BBC Sunday program with Laura Kuenssberg irritated Rishi Sunak. The Greek Prime Minister said the Elgin Marbles should be returned because some of the artifacts are in London and the rest in Athens – it would be like cutting the Mona Lisa in half. The Marble Sculptures, also known as the Parthenon Sculptures, are ancient Greek treasures housed in the British Museum and brought to Britain by British diplomat Lord Elgin in the early 19th century.

The British government confirmed the cancellation of the visit and said the deputy prime minister would meet with the Greek prime minister. A senior Tory source said: “It was impossible to hold this meeting after comments about the Elgin marbles preceded it. Our position is clear. The Elgin Marbles are part of and owned by the British Museum’s permanent collection. It is unwise for any British politician to suggest that this is a subject for negotiation.”

Earlier in the day, Mitsotakis met with Labor leader Keir Starmers.”

Source link