October 7, 2003
Elgin Marbles deal denied
News reports have suggested that there has been a deal on the table, for Britain to return the Parthenon Sculptures to Greece, in return for Greece supporting London’s Olympic bid. However, it appears that there are no hard facts to back up this story.
From:
Kathimerini (English Edition)
Tuesday October 7, 2003
London denies Marbles dealLONDON (AFP) – Britain denied yesterday a tabloid report that it was to send the Elgin Marbles back to Greece in time for the 2004 Athens Olympics in return for Greek support of London’s own Olympic bid.
“The article isn’t true at all,” a culture department spokeswoman told AFP, referring to a report that Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell was ready to reopen talks with Athens over the fifth-century BC sculptures removed from the Parthenon by Lord Elgin between 1801-1811.
“It is actually a matter for the British Museum, were they to want to send the Marbles back. But it remains the position that Tessa Jowell isn’t planning to send them back before the Olympics at all,” the spokeswoman said.The Sunday Mirror said Jowell was willing to propose a deal that would see the Marbles returned to Athens on a permanent loan provided Greece backed London’s bid for the 2012 Olympics. “It would need legislation to get the Marbles sent back, but it would be up to the trustees of the museum to approach us,” the spokeswoman said.
- British Museum denies that there are any ongoing “secret talks” abot the Elgin Marbles : August 11, 2003
- British Museum claims return of Parthenon Marbles would rip the heart out of their collection : November 13, 2002
- Greece urges gesture on Elgin Marbles : August 16, 2004
- Return of the Elgin Marbles as a semi-permanent loan? : November 12, 2002
- British select committee oficials have visited Athens : June 27, 2007
- Olympic medalists back the return of the Elgin Marbles to Athens : January 25, 2003
- British Museum denies Parthenon Marble return plans : August 30, 2012
- Greece offers Britain artefact loans in return for Elgin Marbles : November 13, 2002