Mitsotakis arrives in London Tuesday amid reports that members of his government have held, per Sky News, “private meetings” with top brass at the museum, which has been involved in long-running talks over a potential loan arrangement of the treasures.
Any change in their status — which led to a furious row between the Greek and then- Conservative U.K. government last year — would need to involve the British government. The 1963 British Museum act currently prevents the removal of objects from its collection.
During last year’s Greek dust-up with the Tories, Keir Starmer — now prime minister but at the time leader of the opposition — made a point of sitting down with Mitsotakis after Tory leader Rishi Sunak cancelled a meeting with him in a row over the marbles.
But a British government spokesperson said Monday: “We have no plans to change existing government policy on restitution. Further decisions relating to the care and management of a museum’s collections, including loaning objects, are a matter for the Trustees of the museum.”
Ahead of Mitsotakis’ visit, Starmer’s office said the issue would not be on the prime minister’s agenda when the two leaders sit down Tuesday. Instead, Starmer will raise issues including continued support for Ukraine and a cease-fire in Gaza, No. 10 said.
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Publish date : 2024-12-02 08:15:00
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The post UK insists Parthenon sculptures not on the agenda as Greek PM visits – POLITICO first appeared on Love Europe.
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Author : love-europe
Publish date : 2024-12-03 08:34:34
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