Opposition leader Alexis Tsipras expressed concern over government tactics regarding the repatriation of Parthenon sculptures from the British Museum on Saturday, saying you cannot borrow what is yours. The reaction of the Minister of Culture, Linas Mendonis, was immediate, and she spoke of petty party calculations.

“The main thing that worries us is not so much concern about the inclusion of a matter of national and global cultural significance in the modest framework of pre-election communication. The concern is related to recent publications in the British press that talk about borrowing or exchange,” said Mr Tsipras, discussing this issue at a meeting with the board of the Association of Greek Archaeologists (SEA) and with a delegation from the Union of Workers of the Ministry of Culture of Attica, the mainland and islands.

At a meeting held at the office of the Association of Greek Archaeologists, the President of SYRIZA PS emphasized that “it is beyond any context and moral as well as legal dimension.” Because, he emphasized, “the position of the Hellenic Republic has been clearly and clearly stated in all international forums and especially in UNESCO by all Greek governments in recent decades. This position is that we do not recognize for any state or any legal entity, such as the British Museum, any rights, not to mention the right of ownership, to the illegally alienated, stolen sculptures of the Parthenon.

The ex-premier noted that “no one can write off this position”, emphasizing that “you cannot borrow or exchange what does not belong to you.” He said that it is necessary not to start a fruitless confrontation on an issue that should unite us, not divide us, and official information should be brought to the political forces and institutions of the community of Greek archaeologists, which this battle has been giving for years. In addition, he noted that it is necessary to “immediately clarify that no one can go beyond these limits, which were carved over the past 40 years by the late Melina Merkouris, and all Greek governments follow them.”

“Minor Party Calculations”

A few minutes later came the answer to Mr. Tsipras from the Minister of Culture. In her written statement, Ms. Mendoni analyzed Athens’ overall tactics for the return of Greek antiquities, emphasizing that they go beyond partisan expediency and bring significant results.

“The government, from the very beginning of its term, has acted seriously, responsibly and effectively to realize the national goal of the final return and reunification of the Parthenon sculptures in the Acropolis Museum. Her actions led to the decision of UNESCO in September 2021 to recognize the issue as transnational, the final reunification of the Fagan fragment, the strengthening of the international climate and the complete conversion of public opinion in Britain in favor of the Greek request,” she reminded the minister.

“Mr Tsipras, who for four and a half years as prime minister has done absolutely nothing to advance our national demand, the return of Glipis to Athens, seems unsettled today. He must know that this government, as it has repeatedly proved, is able to negotiate and achieve its goals. This is what he does in the event of the final return of the sculptors to Athens, based on the permanent position of our country, that is, does not recognize the British Museum as a province, possession and property of the sculptors,” she said. her statement says.

“In such a big and national issue, we expect everyone to be mobilized,” Ms. Mendoni pointedly added. “, she stressed.

With information from APE-MPE