October 28, 2005
Papandreou discusses Elgin Marbles with London mayor
George Papandreou (current leader of PASOK, the main Greek opposition party) has been in London discussing various issues with Ken Livingstone (the elected mayor of London), including the return of the Elgin Marbles. Ken Livingstone has previously indicated that he strongly supports the return of the Parthenon sculptures to Greece.
From:
Macedonian Press Agency
28th October 2005
Papandreou meets London Mayor Ken LivingstoneLONDON (ANA – L. Tsirigotakis) Main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou met London Mayor Ken Livingstone during a visit to the British capital on Thursday. They discussed the Olympic Truce, the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece and cooperation in local government and education issues.
Regarding the return of the Parthenon Marbles, Papandreou suggested that the Olympic Games in London in 2012 will be a new opportunity to grant Greece’s request for their return. “It would be a move that will be appreciated and recognised throughout the world, and have a positive impact on Britain’s image,” he said.Livingstone, for his part, assured Papandreou that he wanted to play an active part in promoting the Olympic Truce in the run-up to the London Games, in his capacity as mayor.
In statements after the meeting, Papandreou reported that Livingstone was prepared to come to Greece to discuss the issues of education and local government.
- London mayor backs return of Elgin Marbles : June 26, 2004
- Greece says that British Museum could have an Athens outpost : January 23, 2004
- Mercouri’s battle for the return of the Marbles continues : January 24, 2004
- Athens calls for classical antiquities exchange : January 24, 2004
- Talks planned on Parthenon Sculptures : January 23, 2004
- Is Britain a museum for the world? : July 30, 2007
- Athens mayor questions Italians about return of fragment of Parthenon : May 17, 2004
- British MPs visit Athens & discuss Elgin Marbles : April 10, 2007