In response to remarks made by Alexis Tsipras, leader of the Official Opposition, regarding the Parthenon Marbles, the Minister of Culture and Sports, Lina Mendoni, according to a statement released today by the Ministry of Culture and Sports. “On such a major and national issue, we would expect everyone to join forces. Some, however, choose—even on this issue—to proceed based solely on what they know how to do best: their petty partisan calculations,” notes L. Mendoni.
Below is the full response from the Minister of Culture and Sports:
“From the beginning of its term, the government has acted with seriousness, responsibility, and efficiency in order to achieve the national goal of the permanent return and reunification of the Parthenon Marbles at the Acropolis Museum. Her efforts resulted in UNESCO’s decision in September 2021 recognizing the issue as an interstate matter, the permanent reunification of the Fagan fragment, strengthened the international climate, and brought about a complete shift in public opinion in Britain in favor of the Greek claim.
Mr. Tsipras, who during his four and a half years as prime minister did absolutely nothing to advance our national cause—the return of the Marbles to Athens— now appears to be concerned. He must be aware that this government, as it has proven many times, knows how to negotiate and achieve its goals. This is precisely what it is doing in the case of the permanent return of the Marbles to Athens, based on our country’s long-standing position that it does not recognize the British Museum’s right to possession, ownership, or control of the Marbles. On such a major national issue, we would expect everyone to join forces. Yet some choose, even on this matter, to proceed based solely on what they know how to do best: their petty partisan calculations.”.
