The Parthenon Marbles and Greece’s longstanding demand for their return and reunification took center stage during discussions at the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee in Paris. According to updates from the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, and the Acropolis Museum, Greek representatives presented in detail the country’s position on advancing the restitution of cultural treasures to their places of origin.

The Greek delegation laid out the legal and historical basis of its claim, arguing for the restoration of the Marbles to their natural setting on the Acropolis. At the same time, representatives of Greece’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO briefed national delegations extensively on the significance of the issue.

The strength of Greece’s case was reflected in the response from the Committee, with 20 member states intervening in support of Greece’s request for the return and reunification of the Parthenon Marbles.

International Support and Diplomatic Pressure                                                                            During the session, representatives from numerous countries stressed the urgent need for meaningful progress on the matter. They encouraged Greece and the United Kingdom to continue dialogue aimed at securing the Marbles’ return and reunification with their original setting, where they belong.

The United Kingdom, however, maintained its longstanding position, reiterating that it does not intend to amend the relevant national legislative framework.

Turkey also intervened in the discussion, undermining the British argument by stating that no Ottoman imperial decree, or firman, exists that could legitimize Britain’s possession of the Marbles.