The British Museum says it is in “constructive” discussions with Greece about the Parthenon Marbles

LONDON (Reuters) – The British Museum said on Wednesday it was in “constructive discussions” with Greece about the Parthenon sculptures, amid renewed speculation the 2,500-year-old marbles may soon be returned to Athens.

Greece has repeatedly demanded the permanent return of the statues, which were removed from Athens’ majestic Parthenon by British diplomat Lord Elgin in the early 19th century when he was ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, which then ruled Greece.

The Greek government said last month it was in talks about repatriating them, and Britain’s Daily Telegraph reported on Wednesday that an agreement had been reached between the museum’s head, former finance minister George Osborne, to allow the pieces to be returned as part of the exchange. an agreement.

The newspaper reported that such a deal, which would in fact be a loan deal, could be completed soon. However, Greek officials said the discussions were at a preliminary stage.

“We have said publicly that we are actively seeking a new Parthenon partnership with our friends in Greece, and as we enter a new year, constructive discussions are under way,” the British Museum said in a statement.

The museum, trustee of the Elgin Marbles, which includes about half of the 160-meter frieze that adorns the Parthenon, has always ruled out returning the sculptures permanently, saying they were legally acquired and that UK law forbids their collection to be broken.

A Greek government spokesperson said there had been no further discussions with British government officials recently, but that their request for the return of the sculptures was ongoing.

“There is no new development on this front,” the spokesperson said. “The Government will continue with professionalism and full respect for all criteria of this matter to strive for the best possible result, with the aim of reuniting the Parthenon sculptures.”

(Reporting by Michael Holden and Moviga M in London and Rene Maltezzo in Athens);