A deal that might see the Parthenon sculptures returned to Greece is “shut”, a former adviser to the nation’s authorities has instructed the BBC.
Professor Irene Stamatoudi stated it “seems that negotiations have progressed” over the switch of the antiquities – also referred to as the Elgin Marbles – which have been taken from Athens greater than 200 years in the past and are on show on the British Museum.
The determination comes as Sir Keir Starmer and his Greek counterpart met in Downing Street for talks on Tuesday, though No 10 stated the difficulty was not on the agenda.
The sculptures weren’t mentioned on the opening of the assembly, in accordance with an official account launched by No 10.
The assembly comes as stories that talks on a deal that will see the statues moved to Athens have not too long ago progressed.
The standing of the sculptures has been a supply of diplomatic pressure between the UK and Greece for many years.
Greece says they were stolen, however the British Museum rejects this and claims that they have been obtained legally. Conversations between Greece and the museum they have been continuing since 2021.
Professor Stamatoudi, who suggested the Greek tradition minister throughout earlier negotiations over Elgin Marbles, instructed BBC Radio 4’s Today program that she believed “an settlement is shut” however was undecided it was “shut sufficient”.
He stated the Greek authorities had proposed a “cultural and strategic partnership” that will contain sending extra antiquities to the British Museum to fill the gallery that will be left vacant if returned.
Negotiations over what could possibly be despatched to the British Museum are “secret”, Professor Stamatoudi stated, including that though she is just not personally concerned on this spherical of talks, she believes it could contain “antiquities that appeal to public consideration”.
Professor Statamoudi stated securing the return was one thing “all Greeks are enthusiastic about” as antiquities are extensively thought of a part of the nation’s “cultural heritage”.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has made securing the return of the Elgin Marbles a political precedence.
The problem brought on a diplomatic row final 12 months when then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak canceled a scheduled meeting with Mitsotakis after indicating he would use him to raise the issue.
The earlier authorities had stated the sculptures ought to stay within the museum. In distinction, Labour’s view was that they’d not stand in the best way of a mortgage settlement between the British Museum and Athens if one was agreed.
Government sources in Athens instructed Greek media that Mitsotakis desires to “reconnect” with Starmer following a meeting between the two in November 2023.
Earlier this week, Greek authorities spokesman Pavlos Marinakis stated Mitsotakis would elevate the difficulty with Starmer once more, however that it was extra a matter for the British Museum than the federal government.
He additionally denied a SkyNews report that three non-public conferences had taken place between senior Greek officers and members of the British Museum’s board of trustees.
Downing Street stated Starmer instructed the Greek prime minister he hoped to “construct on our robust bilateral relationship and speak about our frequent points”, whereas Mitsotakis stated Greece and the UK would strengthen their relationship throughout “turbulent occasions “.
Starmer is believed to be extra open than his predecessor to relocating the statues, supplied an settlement will be reached between the Greek authorities and the British Museum.
The Elgin Marbles have been made within the fifth century BC and have been initially displayed within the Parthenon in Athens. They are thought of among the many most useful antiquities of the Ancient Greek interval.
They have been eliminated by British aristocrat Lord Elgin whereas Athens was a part of the Ottoman Empire and have been severely broken on the best way to London, the place they’ve been on show ever since.
