Greece And British Museum are close to an important agreement on the return of the Parthenon Marbles, and a potential solution is expected to be reached as early as 2025.
According to the publication Kathimeriniconfidential talks on an issue that has plagued Greek-British relations for years have made significant progress, although a formal agreement has yet to be signed.
Major discussions center on the permanent placement of sculptures in Athens Acropolis Museumand offers to provide major Greek artifacts for long-term exhibitions in London.
However, discussions suggest that not all exhibits, stolen Lord Elginwill be returned. Expected to return to Athens only thosewhich are important for reconnecting the artistic and historical narrative of the Parthenon, such as fragments frieze, pediments and metopes.
Moreover, fragments that do not have a direct connection, such as Caryatid from the Erechtheion, most likely to remain in Britain. The main problem is compliance British law 1963which prohibits the permanent removal of artifacts from national collections.
British Museum workers are looking for “creative legal framework”to comply with this restriction and at the same time satisfy Greece's strong opposition to “borrowing” sculptures This legal compromise is considered crucial to protecting the agreement from expected legal challenges.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized the cultural significance of the reunion by comparing the fragmented marbles to the separation Mona Lisa. Currently, approximately half of the Parthenon's surviving sculptural elements are in London, including 16 metopes depicting the battle of the Centaur and Lapiths, key parts of the frieze and pediment sculptures illustrating the birth of Athena and her contest with Poseidon.
The discussions also face logistical hurdles, such as determining the time frame and how the artifacts will be transferred. Experts believe that once the broader disputes are resolved, these technical issues will be quickly resolved.
The negotiators express cautious optimismthat after decades of disputes, both sides can reach a sustainable solution. Because what's at stake cultural heritage And international diplomacythe latest steps in this process could have significant implications for the global debate about artifact restitution.
Let us recall that in 2023 the topic of returning sculptures led to diplomatic scandal And cancellation of the meeting Mitsotakis with the then British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
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