Greek PM urges Burnham to return Elgin Marbles permanently

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1. 2h ago

   Greek PM urges UK to return Elgin Marbles permanently

   Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has called on UK authorities to return the Elgin Marbles to Greece permanently, citing 'political will and courage' as necessary for a resolution. Mitsotakis rejected a loan arrangement, emphasizing the sculptures' cultural significance to Greece. The issue has been a point of contention between Greece and the UK for years.

   Why it matters

   The Elgin Marbles, a collection of ancient Greek sculptures, have been held by the British Museum since the 19th century. Greece has long campaigned for their return, with Mitsotakis previously stating that the sculptures should be repatriated with 'no strings attached'. The issue has sparked debate over cultural heritage and ownership.

   What is confirmed

   • Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis urged UK authorities to return the Elgin Marbles permanently.
   • Mitsotakis rejected a loan arrangement for the Elgin Marbles.
   • The Elgin Marbles have been held by the British Museum since the 19th century.
   • Andy Burnham previously stated the sculptures should be returned to Greece with 'no strings attached'.

   What to watch next

   • UK government response to Mitsotakis' request
   • Progress in negotiations between Greece and the British Museum
   • Public reaction in Greece and the UK
   Sources used for this update (17)

   1. www.globalissues.org — News headlines in September 2026
   2. BBC — Greek PM urges Burnham to return Elgin Marbles permanently
   3. The Guardian — Britain would not cut up the Bayeux tapestry. So seize this moment and reunite the Parthenon sculptures in Greece
   4. The Telegraph — Exclusive: Elgin Marbles talks collapse
   5. politico.eu — Parthenon Marbles talks stall as Athens rejects loan proposal
   6. The Art Newspaper — Greek prime minister rejects British Museum suggestion that Bayeux Tapestry exhibition could serve as template for Parthenon Marbles deal
   7. www.bbc.co.uk — Greek PM urges Burnham to return Elgin Marbles permanently - BBC
   8. www.artnews.com — Greek PM ‘Surprised’ by Parthenon Marbles loan suggestion
   9. greekherald.com.au — Greek PM calls for ‘political will’ to reunite Parthenon Marbles – The Greek Herald
   10. www.newser.com — Greece to Britain: Give Us Back Our Ancient Sculptures
   11. www.theguardian.com — Britain would not cut up the Bayeux tapestry. So seize this moment and reunite the Parthenon sculptures i....
   12. www.yahoo.com — Protesters rally against China's Xi state visit in DC
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