“We are continuing and intensifying the repatriation strategy of Sculptors of the Parthenon, and this strategy has brought visible results. For the first time the British side feels that they are in a difficult position.”

This was emphasized in the Parliament by the Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, in response to a topical question of the Parliamentarian of Freedom of Navigation, Alexandros Kazamias, rejecting his complaints about “the need to revise the government’s strategy, which is weak in claiming the Parthenon Sculptures”.

At the same time, Mrs. Mendoni described the statement of the representative of Turkey to UNESCO, regarding the Parthenon Sculptures, as clear and reinforcing for Greece’s strategy, saying:

“It was not by chance and it is also reinforcing the clear statement of Zeyne Boz, head of the Anti-Smuggling Department of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey at the UNESCO Summit, that there is no official document in Turkey’s archives that proves that the Ottoman State sold the Parthenon sculptures to Lord Elgin. All this proves that our strategy is dynamic, robust, in the right direction and does not need revision.”

For his part, the Freedom of Navigation MP called the statement of Turkey’s representative to UNESCO on informing and mobilizing international public opinion and the return of the Parthenon Sculptures a “strong argument for Greece”, but asserting that “the reaction of government’s response to this recent development was low-key” and called on it to “intensify its campaign with a more dynamic and vigorous assertion of its just demands”.

“The government’s strategy is anything but weak,” countered Ms. Mendoni and added:

“Greece continues and intensifies its efforts, through dialogue, to find a mutually acceptable solution. We utilize all appropriate means, and diplomacy, to inform and sensitize public opinion. And a strategy for such matters cannot be obvious. Movements are being made that are not announced but yield results, exerting systematic pressure on Great Britain through cultural diplomacy. Much more steps have been taken by this government than what had been done since 1982, when Melina Merkouri started the fight to claim the Parthenon Sculptures”.