London, Thanasis Gavos

The position that the negotiations for the Parthenon Sculptures can yield a “good deal”, formulated a competent member of the Labor Party of the British official opposition.

In particular, the shadow culture minister Thangam Debonaire told the BBC: “On this particular issue I am confident that the British Museum and the Greek authorities will continue to negotiate to reach a good agreement, and that is what I support them to do.”

It is noted that regarding the explanation of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s move to cancel the meeting with Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the BBC estimated that it was an attempt “to separate his place” for the Sculptures from the most positive context on the return of Keir Starmer, Labor leader, with the aim of satisfying his Conservative Party.

Meanwhile, the British Museum reiterates the position it has recently expressed regarding talks about the Parthenon Sculptures with Greece that are “ongoing and constructive” in the wake of the diplomatic dispute after the cancellation of the Sounak-Mitsotakis meeting.

In its statement, the Museum states that the talks concern a “partnership for the Parthenon”, and how such a “long-term” partnership would strike “the right balance between sharing our greatest objects with audiences from around the world and to maintain the integrity of the incredible collection we have in the museum.”

The statement comes as the latest YouGov poll shows how 66% of Britons consider Rishi Sunak’s move wrong against Kyriakos Mitsotakis, with only 11% considering the cancellation of the meeting correct.

Also, 49% of respondents are in favor of the return of the Sculptors to Athens, compared to 15% who want them to stay in London.

“Pointless diplomatic misstep”

The article of the Financial Times that attributes to Mr. Sunak has also caused a sensation “meaningless diplomatic blunder” and “own goal”.

The article comments that such actions diminish Britain in the eyes of Europe and the world and that it would be unrealistic to expect the Greek Prime Minister to be in London and not emphasize the demand for the return of the Sculptors.

The article concludes by pointing out that Mr. Sunak’s “snobbing” of Mr. Mitsotakis will remind that the United Kingdom has not yet returned to seriousness about pursuing foreign policy after Brexit.

Besides, in his article, the Times columnist Simon Nixon comments, among other things, that Mr. Sunak put theparty balances above the national interest.