In intense activity for the return of the Parthenon sculptures from the British Museum, the discussion about giving them to the Acropolis Museum can also be confusing, since, according to a French professor from Paris, the loan does not, in fact, constitute repatriation, but is a temporary return without a final return.

Professor Catherine Tity from the National Center for Scientific Research at the Sorbonne University intervenes in the international debate with her article. on the British Science website Talkheadlined: “Sorry, British Museum, but the loan of the Parthenon Marbles is not a repatriation.”

Dr. Titi’s argument is that while the British congratulate the head of the British Museum, George Osborne, on “reaching an agreement” that would also appease public opinion in the UK (which favors the return of the sculptures), the choice of the loan suggests that the London Museum is not what he claims.

A professor diligently involved in the Sculptors’ cause, who published a book two years ago entitled Parthenon Marbles and International Legislation, emphasizes in her article that Mr. Osborne’s words are “silky rhetoric that seems to make promises.” which he didn’t actually do.”

He even explains that “if a loan is offered, then Greece will not be able to accept it. The loan would mean that the British Museum not only owns the Marbles, it also owns them. The loan offer is a bait with consequences for the Greek claim under international law, and the Greeks are right to be wary of the British Museum and bring gifts,” he writes, paraphrasing Homer. “A loan is not a repatriation and does not solve the basic issue of ownership,” he emphasizes.

Therefore, Dr. Titi notes that “the Marbles will inevitably go home soon, although I don’t think the museum is yet aware of this.”

So the question is: “Should the museum return them or should parliament vote on an act to transfer them to Athens?” she says, referring to the British House of Commons in London.

The answer given by a French professor and researcher at the end of his speech is very interesting: “From a legal point of view, I would prefer that the government of the United Kingdom approve the transfer of marble to Greece. The document transferred their custody to the British Museum. One act can send them back to their homeland. Better, how else can he be considered magnanimous, with splendor. And history will remember it.”

Source: Conversation