The return of the Parthenon Sculptures to Boris Johnson will be raised by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, as he points out in an interview with the British newspaper “The Telegraph” and the journalist Gordon Rainer, who was in Greece on the occasion of the start of the implementation of the islands program. Halki.
He spoke of the Parthenon sculptures, noting that a change in attitude by the British government towards the return of the cultural treasure could lead to a settlement. “Our position is clear. The sculptures were stolen in the 19th century, they belong to the Acropolis Museum and we must discuss this issue seriously and honestly “, the prime minister underlines.
At the same time, Mr. Mitsotakis referred to the different image that Greece presents today and of course to the model of Halki.
The main points of the Prime Minister’s statements in the British newspaper:
For the Parthenon Sculptures and his upcoming visit to London
“Our position is clear. The Sculptures were stolen in the 19th century, they belong to the Acropolis Museum and we must discuss this issue seriously and honestly “.
“The refusal to discuss the subject of the Sculptures seems to me – given what has happened with regard to the return of cultural treasures – as an anachronistic approach.”
“You must be able to appreciate the beauty of the monument in its fullness. We are not just talking about any monument, we are talking about a monument that has essentially been “cut” in two, half is in Athens and the other half is in the British Museum. Therefore, we are talking about the restoration of the entirety of the monument “.
“It would be an amazing message from what Boris Johnson calls ‘Global Britain’ if there is a movement on this issue and they look at it from a completely different perspective.”
“I am sure that if there was a will on the part of the government (of the United Kingdom) for a change of attitude we could reach an arrangement with the British Museum to lend abroad cultural treasures that have never been found outside Greece.”
“I do not want to go into details about a settlement because these discussions are sensitive, but I want to say openly that my intention is to raise the issue with Boris Johnson and that I believe the British government has a role to play.”
For the economy
“Greece is a very different country compared to Greece in 2011, during the financial crisis. I am sure that you have realized it too, there is a new energy, a new enthusiasm, a new optimism for the country and the economy is growing rapidly “.
“For me, it is very important to change the image of Greece, it is no longer a country that is constantly facing budgetary difficulties. “Greece should not be just a holiday destination, it should be a destination for investment.”
To attract digital nomads or retirees and GR – eco islands
“Look at this island, we are talking about paradise. “You can spend the winters here and then the summers in Scotland or the British countryside.”
“We hope that other islands will adopt the model of Halki. That fact must be taken into account. “
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