England and Greece – anger over Parthenon sculptures – News

• The fact that Partheon sculptures are currently on display in the British Museum angers Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
• The art objects belong in the Athens Acropolis, he tells the BBC.
• This statement, however, irritates Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
• Sunak canceled a meeting with Mitsotakis in London on Tuesday.

“Where do the Partheon sculptures look better, in Athens or in the British museum?” BBC presenter Laura Kuenssberg asked Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in an interview. He explained that the answer was very simple. It’s not about the question of origin, because that is clear. If some of the sculptures remained in London and the rest in Athens, it would be like dividing the Mona Lisa in half.

A meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was also planned for his visit to London. However, he canceled without giving reasons. On the other hand, Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden made himself available. Mitsotakis was very disappointed about the short-term cancellation.

A spokesman for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stressed they had cared for the sculptures for generations and wanted to continue to do so. There are no plans to deviate from the course.

The British Museum houses 15 metopes, 17 pedimental figures and 247 feet (75 m) of the original frieze, according to the museum’s website. In the early 19th century, the British ambassador Lord Elgin had the sculptures brought from Greece to England. Athens has long been demanding their return.