Filenews 5 January 2023
The British Museum has confirmed that "constructive discussions" are taking place on the return of the Parthenon Sculptures to Greece after 200 years, as part of a cultural exchange, the Times writes.
According to the report, George Osborne, a former chancellor who is now the president of the British Museum, is believed to have drafted an agreement to repatriate the cultural treasures.
British law, the Times notes, prevents the concession of antiquities by a museum. Therefore, one formula would be a loan agreement, under which the Sculptures could be transferred from London to Athens "as early as possible".
Under the agreement, the Sculptures would be sent to Athens from London on a long-term loan, in exchange for other Greek treasures that would also be lent, however sooner, to the British Museum from the Acropolis Museum.
"The proposal bypasses the obstacle raised by the fact that the trustees of the British Museum own the friezes and are prohibited by law from ceding them," comments the article entitled "Agreement on the Elgin Marbles: Heading Home."
The newspaper also refers to the change in its stance on the issue last year and reiterates its support for the reunification of the Sculptures. The objections to the rebate in substance have been watered down, while the impediment in British law is being overcome by the ingenious use of the long-term loan method.
Copies of the Sculptures should be exhibited in the British Museum, along with other treasures lent by Greece. In this way, both countries will benefit and emerge victorious.
Source: Times
