Rishi Sunak of Britain scraps Greek prime minister meeting over Parthenon Sculptures dispute
British Chancellor Rishi Sunak sparks controversy by abruptly cancelling a planned meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in London Tensions arise over the disputed Parthenon Sculptures, fueling a diplomatic dispute between the two nations
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis claimed that the British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, abruptly canceled their planned meeting in London on Tuesday due to a diplomatic disagreement over the status of the Parthenon Sculptures.
For years, Greece has been urging the British Museum to permanently repatriate the 2,500-year-old sculptures that were taken by British diplomat Lord Elgin from the Parthenon temple in Athens during the early 19th century, when he served as ambassador to the Ottoman Empire.
Mitsotakis stated his frustration that the British Prime Minister called off their scheduled meeting at the last minute. "Greece's stance on the Parthenon Sculptures is widely recognized. I was looking forward to addressing this issue with my British counterpart. Those who believe in the fairness and integrity of their beliefs are always open to engaging in debate," Mitsotakis added.
The Greek government has been in talks with George Osborne, the chair of the British Museum, about a potential loan agreement for the Parthenon sculptures, which have been a point of contention between the two nations for a long time.
In a BBC interview on Sunday, Mitsotakis expressed frustration that discussions about returning the sculptures to Athens were not progressing as quickly as he had hoped. He likened the situation to cutting the "Mona Lisa in half," emphasizing that it is not about ownership but about reuniting the sculptures.
Visitors view the Parthenon Sculptures, also known as the Elgin Marbles, at the British Museum in London.
Daniel Leal/AFP/Getty Images/File
A British government official, who asked not to be named, said the spat over the marbles meant it was not suitable for the meeting to go ahead.
Earlier, a Sunak spokesperson stated that there are no intentions to repatriate the sculptures. In response to Mitsotakis' remarks, Sunak's office emphasized the significance of Britain's relationship with Greece and the need for collaboration on global issues such as addressing illegal migration.
Deputy British Prime Minister Oliver Dowden was ready to meet Mitsotakis to address these matters instead, as per Sunak's office.
The British government has consistently rejected the idea of relinquishing ownership of the marbles, which comprise roughly 50% of the 160-meter (525-foot) frieze that decorated the Parthenon, and asserts that they were obtained legally.
The British Museum is restricted by law from removing objects from its collection except in specific circumstances, but it is not prohibited from making loans. A scheduled meeting between Mitsotakis and British opposition leader Keir Starmer took place as planned on Monday. According to the Financial Times, Starmer indicated that he would not oppose a "mutually acceptable" loan deal for the sculptures.
Starmers Labour Party declined to comment.
