Türkiye supports Greece on return of Parthenon sculptures

Ankara has expressed support for Greece in its demand for the return of the Parthenon sculptures from the British Museum in London to Athens and hopes for improved relations between Greece and Turkey.

Short film “TEAR OF THE CARYATID” (in 2 parts), with subtitles in Greek. The theme of the film is the return to their homeland of the Acropolis marbles stolen at the beginning of the 19th century from its main temple, the Parthenon, which are in the British Museum. But not only… The authors also set the task of showing the power of influence of the creations of the era of classical Hellenism that have survived to this day on the thoughts and feelings of modern man, connecting times with an invisible thread of memory.

This was stated by the head of the Communications Department of the Turkish Presidential Administration, Fahrettin Altun, in an interview with a Greek newspaper. “Nope” (Ta Nea). According to Altun, protection and preservation of the cultural heritage of Greece and Turkey is an issue that requires more cooperation and understanding. “I believe that the latest meeting of the 4th Greek-Turkish Media and Academic Forum, held at the Acropolis Museum in Athens, played an important role in this regard, highlighting the support we give for the return of the Parthenon sculptures to Greece,” – he noted. He also added: “It would be useful for the Greek public to understand that the Aegean Sea is not exclusively the property of Greece”.

Altun continued: “Turkey also owns part of this sea with a long coastline and has legitimate rights and vital interests. Such an understanding could contribute to the peaceful resolution of all problems of the Aegean region in accordance with international law.”.

He also noted that the issue of treatment of minorities requires greater mutual understanding: “For example, our minority in Greece seeks official recognition of their chosen religious leaders and the freedom to express their ethnic identity without fear of legal or administrative consequences, similar to the freedoms enjoyed by your minority in Turkey.”.

According to Altun, dialogue and cooperation between Turkey and Greece will help silence those within the countries who are putting pressure on their governments to undermine the calm climate in bilateral relations. “Ultimately, it is in the interests of our future generations to develop our relationships, stimulate trade, expand people-to-people contacts and achieve prosperity for our countries.”he explained.

Regarding the Cyprus issue, Altun stated that “After almost 60 years of fruitless negotiations on a federal framework, the Turkish Cypriots have withdrawn their consent to an exhausted and outdated federal model”. He emphasized that “The UN has documented that there is no common ground between the parties, so neither the UN nor the international community can legitimately insist on a settlement model that no longer enjoys the consent of both parties.”. “It’s time to finally accept the reality on the ground.”“he added, noting that there are two separate peoples and two separate states in Cyprus. “History has shown that only a settlement on this basis can be successful. Neither the Turkish Cypriots nor Türkiye want to lose another 60 years.”“, Altun concluded.

Read also:

Turkish scientists: Elgin stole sculptures, firman is a fake

Zeynep Boz: “If the British have a firman, show it”

Film credits:

• writer Vladimir Sidiropoulos,
• director, cameraman, editor Pavel Onoiko.

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