Story thread · 3 reports / 3 sources

Elgin Marbles talks collapse after Greece demands artefacts returned permanently

gbnews.com · 9h · first reportShare

Efforts to reach an agreement over the future of the Elgin Marbles are said to have broken down, after years of discussions between Greece and the British Museum. The talks, which resumed in 2021 as Athens sought the permanent return of the Parthenon sculptures, are understood to have stalled over a fundamental disagreement about ownership. Greek officials regard the ancient works as Greek property, and want them returned to Athens, while the British Museum claims to be legally responsible for the sculptures and is only willing to lend them. Sources told GB News said there are currently no negotiations taking place as a result and that Athens has indicated discussions are unlikely to restart in the immediate future. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Communication channels have reportedly remained open, however, leaving room for the situation to change. The dispute centres on the legal status of the sculptures, which were removed from the Parthenon in the early 19th century by Thomas Bru