Greece calls again for return of Parthenon marbles
Greece on Saturday urged Britain to come back the Parthenon Marbles -- generally known as the Elgin Marbles -- among the world's greatest ancient sites the Acropolis re-opens after the coronavirus shutdown.
The ancient friezes, which include depictions of battles between mythical ancient Greeks and centaurs, were taken by British diplomat Lord Elgin in the first 19th century and so are now on display at the British Museum in London.
Britain has always refused to come back them, arguing that they were taken with the permission of local Ottoman rulers at that time.
"The reopening of the archaeological sites with the Acropolis included in this, can be an occasion for the international (groups) supporting the return of the Parthenon Marbles to reaffirm their constant demand in adition to that of the Greek government for the definitive return of the marbles to their homeland," Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said in a statement.
Greece reopened the Acropolis in Athens and all open-air archaeological sites the other day under tight conditions after a two-month closure as a result of coronavirus pandemic.
The International Association for the Reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures -- formed in 2005 in Athens and which comprises various national groups -- last week sent a letter to the Greek Ministry of Culture proposing a renewed, coordinated campaign to put strain on the British Museum.
Mendoni said Saturday that the Marbles were "loot" and Greece would never recognise the British Museum's claim to the friezes.
Greece has been campaigning for three decades for his or her return, arguing that the Ottoman empire was an occupying force and any permission granted during its time isn't valid.
Athens has considered suing Britain over the issue but recently has taken a more diplomatic route, asking the UN's cultural agency UNESCO to mediate -- an offer rejected by the British Museum.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, elected in July, has made the official obtain the loan of the marbles to mark the 200th anniversary celebrations of Greek independence in 2021.
The British Museum has said it could examine any request from Greece to borrow exhibits. -- AFP
