No talks are under way on the Parthenon Sculptures, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said on Monday, adding that Greece now speaks of Parthenon ‘reunification’ rather than ‘return’.
Mendoni told a Greek radio station that the Parthenon reunification effort had hit obstacles. She linked the setback to recent statements by Britain’s political leadership.
“At this moment no talks are taking place,” Mendoni said of the masterpieces of the ancient sculptor Phidias.
Since the case has taken a new turn, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will now raise it at his own level, she said.
“I would say we should no longer talk about return, but about the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures,” she said.
The shift in language matters because Greece argues the sculptures belong together with the monument. In recent weeks, Mitsotakis has stepped up his push for Parthenon reunification.
By contrast, the British Museum’s website still describes constructive discussions with Greece as ongoing. Greece first made a formal request for the sculptures’ return in 1983, according to the museum.
Cultural diplomacy and repatriations
Mendoni said every repatriation of a cultural object puts the question back on the world stage. She pointed to the power of cultural diplomacy to keep the Parthenon reunification case alive.
That approach has won British public support for Parthenon reunification, she said.
Additionally, she said another significant return of antiquities to Greece is on the way, although she gave no details.
As proof that the strategy works, she cited the recent return of 53 heirlooms from Bulgaria.
Hotel below the Acropolis
Listeners also asked about delays in demolishing the illegal upper floors of a hotel in Makrygianni, below the Acropolis. Mendoni said the matter “does not concern the Ministry of Culture.”
According to the minister, the ministry finished its role when it ruled the floors illegal and decided they must come down. However, it has no powers to carry out demolitions, she said.
That job falls to the planning and administrative authorities, she said. Greek City Times reported on 8 October that the state faced another €20,000 fine over the delay.
(Source: Ta Nea)
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