February 13, 2015
Greek government to pursue new Parthenon Marbles strategy?
I’m struggling to work out if there is any actual new information that this story is based on or not. The clarifications seem to be more a matter of re-hashing what I wrote a few weeks ago. In essence, its correcting some incorrect statements from the earlier article, which in reality told little more than “new government to re-look at existing contracts”.
In time we will no doubt find out more about the new government’s strategy for dealing with the Marbles, but at present, we do not yet know a great deal.
David Hill, Amal Clooney & Geoffrey Robertson in Athens
From:
Greek Reporter
Greece to Follow Different Strategy on Parthenon Marbles Repatriation
by Philip Chrysopoulos – Feb 13, 2015The new Greek government is considering a different strategy for claiming the Parthenon sculptures from the British Museum and will likely stop cooperating with Amal Alamuddin-Clooney and her law firm.
The new Minister of Culture, Education and Religious Affairs Aristides Baltas told foreign reporters that Greece is seeking a new strategy to bring back the sculptures. He was quoted by The Times as saying, “Our campaign will continue, but the strategy and how we go about that may be tweaked, if required. We’ll be looking over these details in the coming weeks and if we see a need to alter them, we will.”
Deputy Culture Minister Nikos Xydakis told the Greek Press that the marbles issue has gained good publicity after the involvement of Mrs. Clooney, who is a lawyer for London’s Doughty Street Chambers law firm.According to The Times report, the new leftist government of Greece wants to cancel Greece’s contract with Amal Alamuddin-Clooney and the firm for financial reasons.
According to the report, the team of lawyers were working for the Greek government. In reality, the three lawyers had visited Greece to advise the government of legal options available. There was no talk of an exchange of money or any binding agreements. In such cases, it is usually the case that contracts are reviewed by legal departments before signed by government officials.
However, the cost of lawyers is unlikely to be a major concern bearing in mind the high cultural stakes for Greece. The new government has already made clear that it will continue efforts to reclaim the Parthenon sculptures legally. Even if funding were a problem, there are wealthy Greek foundations that have already stated they would be happy to assist in funding the initiative.
Former Culture Minister Constantinos Tasoulas told the Press that there is no signed contract between the previous Greek government and the law firm. He also said that Greece can only benefit from Amal Alamuddin-Clooney’s involvement.
- UK lawyers deliver Parthenon Marbles legal opinion to Greece : August 13, 2015
- Why recent articles about Amal & the Marbles are misleading : February 1, 2015
- The Daily Express and the Parthenon Marbles : May 18, 2015
- Parthenon Marbles legal fees may be paid by wealthy individual : March 3, 2015
- Has Greece dropped Parthenon Marbles legal action plans? : December 10, 2015
- Top lawyers to advise Greece on Parthenon Marbles : October 9, 2014
- Greece advised “use it or loose it” with Marbles legal action : May 13, 2015
- Rhodes offers to host Clooney’s wedding in thanks for Parthenon Marbles support : May 3, 2014
DrDonnaYates said,
02.13.15 at 2:04 pm
RT @elginism: Blog post: New Greek SYRIZA government may pursue new Parthenon Marbles restitution strategy http://t.co/mVYwdULBlu
vijaygkg said,
02.13.15 at 2:06 pm
@elginism @DrDonnaYates good idea & will be a great distraction to their public too
aspals said,
02.13.15 at 2:06 pm
RT @elginism: Blog post: New Greek SYRIZA government may pursue new Parthenon Marbles restitution strategy http://t.co/mVYwdULBlu
myopiabillson said,
02.13.15 at 2:14 pm
RT @elginism: Blog post: New Greek SYRIZA government may pursue new Parthenon Marbles restitution strategy http://t.co/mVYwdULBlu
corneliagracchi said,
02.13.15 at 2:40 pm
RT @elginism: Blog post: New Greek SYRIZA government may pursue new Parthenon Marbles restitution strategy http://t.co/mVYwdULBlu
AnastessiaB said,
02.13.15 at 2:40 pm
MT @elginism Too bad bec #Amal AND #GeorgeClooney’s star power would sway more support 4 the #ParthenonMarbles http://t.co/8YnWzE3qjF
curranart said,
02.13.15 at 2:40 pm
RT @elginism: Blog post: New Greek SYRIZA government may pursue new Parthenon Marbles restitution strategy http://t.co/mVYwdULBlu
Helladaphilos said,
02.13.15 at 7:42 pm
RT @elginism: Blog post: New Greek SYRIZA government may pursue new Parthenon Marbles restitution strategy http://t.co/mVYwdULBlu