British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak cancelled a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis over the Parthenon Sculptures dispute.
Greece has long requested the return of the 2,500-year-old sculptures, which were taken by British diplomat Lord Elgin from the Parthenon temple.
The British Museum is legally prohibited from returning the sculptures to Greece, but discussions about a possible long-term loan have taken place.
A diplomatic dispute over the Parthenon Sculptures, also known as the Elgin Marbles, has led to the cancellation of a meeting between British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his Greek counterpart, Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The Greek Prime Minister accused Sunak of avoiding discussions on the contested antiquities, expressing frustration that talks over a possible return of the sculptures were not advancing quickly enough.
The Parthenon Sculptures, dating back 2,500 years, were removed from the Parthenon temple in Athens during the early 19th century by British diplomat Lord Elgin. Greece has long requested the return of these sculptures, viewing their return as a matter of cultural and historical significance. Mitsotakis, in a BBC interview, likened the situation to cutting the Mona Lisa in half.
The British government, however, remains firm in its position against relinquishing the artifacts. A spokesperson for Rishi Sunak had earlier stated that there were no plans to return the sculptures, which are part of the permanent collection of the British Museum. The museum is legally prohibited from returning the sculptures to Greece, but discussions about a possible long-term loan have taken place.
Despite the cancellation with Sunak, Mitsotakis's meeting with British opposition leader Keir Starmer proceeded as planned.
The British Museum is legally prohibited from returning the sculptures to Greece, but discussions about a possible long-term loan have taken place.
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The British Museum is banned by law from giving the sculptures back to Greece, but its leaders have held talks with Greek officials about a compromise, such as a long-term loan.