Costas Karamanlis has met with his culture minister for a briefing on the progress of the ongoing transfer of sculptures to the New Acropolis Museum.

From:
Athens News Agency

11/16/2007
Prime minister briefed on progress of new Acropolis Museum

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis met on Thursday with Culture Minister Michalis Liapis, who briefed him on progress in the ongoing transfer of antiquities to the new Acropolis Museum from the old museum atop the Acropolis — a distance of roughly 400 metres — as well as on a ministry draft bill aimed at combatting antiquities smuggling.

Liapis told reporters after the one-hour meeting that Karamanlis will visit the new museum in mid-December.

He said he also briefed the premier on a ministry-related draft bill on combatting football hooliganism, which would shore up the state’s “institutional arsenal” against such violence.

Liapis also broached the issue of the culture ministry’s financial resources.

“Culture is not possible without funding,” the minister said, adding that Karamanlis assured him that he considered culture a top priority, as well as the effort for its further financial reinforcement.

Liapis said that he also briefed the economy and finance minister during their recent meeting over the need for increased funding for the culture ministry, adding that he had no complaints vis-a-vis the finance ministry, with which he has excellent relations.