Greek Culture Minister Highlights Positive Progress on Parthenon Sculptures Reunification Talks

Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni expressed optimism about the British government's improved stance on the potential reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures during an interview with SKAI radio. While acknowledging that any agreement would take time, she emphasized the constructive environment for dialogue, CE Report quotes Athens-Macedonian

"There is a positive climate, confirmed by both sides. However, as Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has stated, such agreements require time. The current British government and the British Museum show less resistance than in the past, but this does not mean the marbles will immediately return to Athens," Mendoni said.

She stressed the importance of reuniting the sculptures as integral parts of the monument. "The Parthenon itself demands reunification of its decorative elements," she noted.

Mendoni also highlighted improved relations between the Greek Culture Ministry and the British Museum, ending a previous embargo. This thaw has led to cultural exchanges between the Acropolis Museum, the British Museum, and other institutions. "Maintaining frozen relationships achieves nothing," she concluded, calling the progress "very positive."