The plot of the sculptures of the Parthenon should be considered as a whole, throughout their claims. For many months this issue has been at the forefront with very strong concerns, and we see the position of the mainstream foreign media, which has traditionally been against the return, change, but also the former British ministers of culture are taking a position in favor of Greece. The new climate has helped people who have always believed in the return of the Sculptors to express themselves more freely. The recognition that the marbles should be returned existed in many sections of the population, even in British political circles, but there was resistance. Well, the Greek efforts of recent months and many years have borne fruits that are remarkable in history and the pulse that has accompanied the issuance of the claim all these years.

Never before has this problem been so acutely in the foreground, with the exception of the time of Melina Mercouri. For the prime minister to take up this issue firmly, for it to be high on the Greek priorities in such difficult times, and for the British side to be forced to discuss this issue publicly for the first time, because it was only done in the past, but behind closed doors – all this extremely positive and reflects the global climate favoring the return and re-positioning of museums in relation to the materials they hold. Sometimes during a crisis, positive things come out when there is the right treatment.

It is true that there were many proposals at the table and that from time to time we tried to use momentum. But here we see international pressure forcing the British side to take a certain position.

The climate is changing, as if the entire planet is waiting and predicting when the desired, moral outcome of cultural evolution will occur. What is already happening portends something very positive. After all, negotiations and agreements provide that both parties must win something. The British Museum itself was forced to return the items, in particular the mask, to the Indians of Canada on a long-term loan, and the mask was almost never returned to the museum. It was a way of acknowledging that it needed to be returned. The Indian community provided information about the rituals, and the information material of the museum was enriched, and the exhibition became more functional than before. Agreements of mutual benefit, in the sense of moral and material benefits, can bring results.

Agreements of mutual benefit, in the sense of moral and material benefits, can bring results.

There are various combinations of long-term loans that can be provided. This is one of those solutions that can be implemented in an environment where everyone sticks to the red lines where they want, but can find a way to do what needs to be done for the benefit of both parties.

Greece will never give up its legal right to claim them, but how an agreement can be drafted is up for negotiation.

We live in the age of mediation. The point of Greece is not to alienate anyone from the sculptures of the Parthenon. It’s about their reunion.

* Ms. Elena Korka is the Honorary General Director of the Department of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage.