UK PM Sunak cancels Greek meeting amid Elgin Marbles dispute

By | November 27, 2023

“UK PM cancels meeting with Greek PM amid Elgin Marbles dispute”

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UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has canceled a scheduled meeting with the Greek prime minister amid a growing diplomatic row over the Elgin Marbles. The decision comes after tensions escalated between the two countries over the ownership and display of the ancient sculptures.

The Elgin Marbles, also known as the Parthenon Marbles, are a collection of classical Greek marble sculptures that were originally part of the Parthenon temple on the Acropolis in Athens. In the early 19th century, Lord Elgin, a British diplomat, removed the sculptures and brought them to Britain, where they have been housed in the British Museum ever since.

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Greece has long disputed the legal ownership of the marbles, claiming that they were unlawfully taken during the Ottoman Empire’s occupation of Greece. The Greek government has been advocating for the return of the marbles, arguing that they are an integral part of their cultural heritage.

The cancellation of the meeting between Prime Minister Sunak and his Greek counterpart highlights the increasing tension between the two countries. The Greek prime minister had hoped to discuss the marbles’ repatriation during the meeting, but Sunak’s decision suggests a hardening of the UK’s stance on the issue.

The British government has consistently maintained that the marbles are legally owned by the British Museum and are part of the world’s shared cultural heritage. They argue that the marbles have been in the UK for over two centuries and have been accessible to people from around the globe.

The dispute over the marbles has been a long-standing issue between Greece and the UK, with various attempts made by the Greek government to secure their return. However, the British government has been resistant to any repatriation efforts, citing concerns about setting a precedent for the return of other cultural artifacts held in museums worldwide.

The cancellation of the meeting between Sunak and the Greek prime minister is likely to further strain the diplomatic relationship between the two countries. It remains to be seen how this dispute will be resolved, but it is clear that both sides are deeply committed to their respective positions.

As the controversy continues, it raises important questions about the ownership and display of cultural artifacts and the ethical responsibilities of museums. The Elgin Marbles dispute serves as a reminder of the complex and often contentious issues surrounding the repatriation of cultural heritage, and the need for continued dialogue and engagement between nations to find a resolution..

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@BBCBreaking said UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak cancels meeting with Greek prime minister as diplomatic row breaks out over Elgin Marbles bbc.in/46y7BuP

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