Sunak cancels Greek PM meeting in Parthenon Sculptures row
A writer who specializes in politics and works for BBC News.
There is currently a disagreement between the governments of Britain and Greece regarding the Parthenon Sculptures, also referred to as the Elgin Marbles.
The leader of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, had plans to have a meeting with Rishi Sunak while on a visit to London. However, the scheduled meeting was cancelled by the UK Prime Minister's office at the eleventh hour.
The spokesperson of the prime minister of Greece expressed his dissatisfaction regarding the last-minute cancellation of the meeting.
Mr Mitsotakis declined a different interaction with the second-in-command of the government.
The decision to cancel happened one day after Mr. Mitsotakis expressed his belief to Laura Kuenssberg of BBC that the marbles should be sent back. He compared having a few of the artefacts in London and the remaining in Athens to separating the Mona Lisa into halves.
In a recent statement, the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, drew a comparison between the Elgin Marbles being held in the United Kingdom and the act of cutting the Mona Lisa in half. He expressed his belief that the theft of these historically significant artifacts has resulted in a great loss for the Greek people and their cultural heritage. Mitsotakis urges the UK government to consider the historical and cultural significance of the marbles and make efforts to return them to their rightful place in Greece.
A representative from the Greek Prime Minister's Office expressed their disappointment to the BBC that Prime Minister Sunak's scheduled one-on-one meeting with their leader was cancelled at the last minute today.
The relationship between Greece and Britain spans a long history and has been known to be one of camaraderie and collaboration. The Greek administration is taken aback by this resolution.
The leader of the country was excited to have a conversation about various topics that both parties are concerned about. These topics include the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, Russia's unlawful attack on Ukraine, the changing climate, as well as shared issues like immigration. Additionally, the prime minister is eager to talk about the Parthenon Sculptures.
Insiders with insight into the atmosphere within the Greek administration reported that Mr Mitsotakis was feeling puzzled and irritated.
According to BBC's knowledge, there was supposed to be a meeting on Tuesday during lunchtime that was expected to go for 45 minutes.
However, Mr. Sunak was annoyed by Mr. Mitsotakis's presence on BBC's Sunday programme with Laura Kuenssberg.
The UK government affirmed that the scheduled event was called off and proposed a rendezvous between the Greek Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden in its place.
A high-ranking representative of the Conservative party stated that due to remarks made about the Elgin Marbles prior to the meeting, it was no longer feasible for it to occur.
We firmly believe that the Elgin Marbles rightfully belong in the British Museum's permanent collection, and we won't change our stance on this matter. It's concerning to hear any UK politician proposing that negotiability is on the table.
Mr Mitsotakis had a meeting with Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour party, earlier.
On Tuesday, he will be going back to Greece after finishing his morning meetings. He decided not to have a meeting with Mr Dowden.
Do not overlook the political aspect of this dispute.
The Conservatives are stating that Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour party, was being too simplistic by having a meeting with the Greek leader, as he voiced his opinion on the fate of the marbles on Sunday.
According to Labour, if a loan agreement between the British Museum and Athens is made, they would not obstruct it.
A representative from the UK government stated that they had no intention of altering the British Museum Act of 1963. This law forbids any items from being taken out of the museum's collection.
However, a loan could still occur regardless of the British prime minister's opinion without the need for a modification in legislation.
Numerous individuals who identify as Conservativists view this agreement as a potential pathway to danger, as one person expressed to me.
According to a source from the political party, Keir Starmer appears to have no interest in acknowledging and spreading the benefits that British taxpayers have provided over many generations to ensure their safety and help others around the globe.
According to a source from the Labour party, their stance has been consistent. They claim that a Labour government would not alter the law to permit the sculptures to be relocated permanently. The individual criticized Chancellor Sunak's actions, considering them to be cowardly.
Someone else commented "this is such a strange display of conflict between cultures".
A representative from the Labour Party mentioned: "If the PM is incapable of having a meeting with a fellow European country that has vital economic relations with the UK, it only strengthens the idea that he is not competent enough to offer the necessary economic guidance the country needs. The Labour Party led by Keir Starmer is prepared and available to step in."
The statues are possibly the most famous pieces of art in the highly debated topic of whether or not museums globally should give back objects to their places of origin.
In the early 1800s, a British soldier and diplomat known as Lord Elgin took some sculptures from the Parthenon temple located in Athens. Later on, the sculptures were purchased by the government of Britain in 1816 and were kept in the British Museum.
Phidias, the sculptor, created a frieze which adorned the ancient temple that is now 2,500 years old, with marble figures that are now a part of it.
Over ten years ago, the Parthenon Gallery was constructed at the Acropolis Museum as a home for the sculptures. Inside the exhibit, the initial marble designs are displayed alongside fake renditions of those located in institutions such as the British Museum.
The officials in charge of the British Museum are presently studying the possibility of a loan agreement with Greece.
Previously, George Osborne, the former chancellor and current Chair of Trustees at the British Museum, expressed his desire to arrange for some of the sculptures to be temporarily housed in Greece.
When he testified in front of the Culture, Media, and Sport Committee in October, Mr. Osborne emphasized that a possible agreement would have to ensure that "artifacts from Greece" were exhibited in the United Kingdom for the first time.
It is believed that it will take several months before any decision is made.
