![Parthenon Sculptures – Relentless Pressure for a “Mutually Acceptable Solution”](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/marm.jpg)
On a triple level, that is, government, museums and public opinion, Maximos Mansion (the PM’s office) intends to wage a veritable war for the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures, investing more than ever in the momentum shaped by developments since last autumn, even if the issue is recognized as multifactorial, without automatic solutions and a long course ahead. The presence of Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the Acropolis Museum for the second time in a week on the occasion of the delivery of the “Fagan fragment” from Italy, not as a loan but for the first time with the deposit method, confirms the decision of Athens to call on London at every opportunity, maintaining the demand in the public sphere as a matter of “world culture”.
The information points to behind-the-scenes moves and Greek-British contacts in the near future, without, according to the same sources, ruling out an attempt for targeted campaigns aimed primarily at public opinion outside Greek borders. After all, one of the key points that paves the way for the search by the Greek government for more support from British society is the support that is already being recorded in the polls in the request for the repatriation of the Sculptures. And obviously the government’s pressure strategy is intensifying against the background of the latest UNESCO decision that directly favors intergovernmental dialogue. In other words, the aim is to feed in every way the dynamics that, according to the Prime Minister, are being structured for the prospect of repatriation of the Sculptures.
Mitsotakis’ message
That is why, after his recent statements to the British newspaper “The Telegraph” and his lively conversation with Boris Johnson last November, Mitsotakis again sent a message to Downing Street.
“When there is a willingness, there is a way,” he said, looking forward to a “constructive dialogue” between the British Museum and the Greek authorities. What the government is seeking is a settlement between the two sides (Museums and cultural authorities) a la Palermo, similar to the process that brought together the Acropolis Museum and the Antonino Salinas Museum for the “Fagan fragment” which is part of segment VI of the eastern frieze of the Parthenon. Speaking of a “mutually acceptable solution”, the Prime Minister described yesterday’s ceremony as an important step that “paves the way for other museums to be able to move in the same direction.”
The fragment (0.355 m high, 0.31 m wide and 0.105 m thick, in which the lower extremities of a goddess, probably Artemis, are depicted) will be exhibited in Athens for the next eight years, however the regional administration of Sicily seeks the historical relic to remain permanently in Greece, asking Rome for a legal settlement of the issue through the Code of Cultural Heritage.
![ot.gr](/wp-content/themes/whsk_otgr/common/imgs/fav.ico/favicon-32x32.png)
![ot.gr](/wp-content/themes/whsk_otgr/common/imgs/fav.ico/favicon-32x32.png)
Latest News
![ELSTAT: Building Permits Increased by 40.1% in Greece](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/oikod1-600x380.png)
ELSTAT: Building Permits Increased by 40.1% in Greece
Focusing on Private Construction Activity during this period, there was a 41.8% increase in building permits nationwide, a 40.2% rise in the area, and a 26.8% expansion in volume
![Greek Economy: Bankers’ Insights on Investments and Reforms](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ot_bankers4-600x352.png)
Greek Economy: Bankers’ Insights on Investments and Reforms
He also noted that the Recovery and Resilience Fund has seen over 50% of its funds absorbed, with more than 20% having been directed into the real economy.
![Greece: Airbnb Occupancy Hits 40% in June](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/airbnb-1-600x400.jpg)
Greece: Airbnb Occupancy Hits 40% in June
This growth, averaging about 20,000 new units per month, pushed the total number of accommodations to 224,860 by June, up from 204,578 the previous year.
![Fraport: Greece’s Regional Airports See 5.9% June Surge](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ot_airport_affixeis-1-1-600x352.png)
Fraport: Greece’s Regional Airports See 5.9% June Surge
Overall, during the first half of 2024, Fraport Greece's airports achieved remarkable results, handling more than 12.7 million passengers, a 7.8% increase compared to 2023.
![SFEE: Just 1 in 5 New Pharmaceutical Drugs Reach Greece](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ΦΑΡΜΑΚΑ-shutterstock_1467910202-2048x1365-1-600x400.jpg)
SFEE: Just 1 in 5 New Pharmaceutical Drugs Reach Greece
Greece spends 70% less than the European average on pharmaceuticals, and Greek patients face significant challenges accessing pharmaceutical drugs and treatments that are available in the country
![Attica Bank: Merger Process With Pancreta Commences](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/attica-bank-2048x1288-1-600x377.jpg)
Attica Bank: Merger Process With Pancreta Commences
A relevant announcement said the merger with Pancreta is expected to be completed by mid September
![Crete’s Heraklion Port Concession Deal Approved](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/heraklion-port2-1-600x369.jpg)
Crete’s Heraklion Port Concession Deal Approved
Owner of Minoan Lines Grimaldi Group acquired a 67% share of the port for a total price of 80 million euros
![Santorini Warning of Cruise Passenger Influx Causes Uproar](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/santorini1-600x400.jpg)
Santorini Warning of Cruise Passenger Influx Causes Uproar
A Santorini councilman urged locals to stay put and limit their activities during the arrival of cruise ships due to overtourism
![European Commission Approves Fourth 2.3 Billion Loan Payment to Greece Under RRF](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/european_commission_hq-flags_web-3-600x375.jpg)
European Commission Approves Fourth 2.3 Billion Loan Payment to Greece Under RRF
The Commission's preliminary assessment of Greece's request, completed on June 14, 2024, was positive, reflecting Greece's successful implementation of its recovery and resilience plan
![Greek Tourism: Projects Shaping the Landscape](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Mandarin-Oriental-Costa-Navarino-Ormos-Beach-Club-1024x767-1-600x449.jpg)
Greek Tourism: Projects Shaping the Landscape
In Vonitsa, Aetolia-Acarnania, the Varko Bay resort is emerging as the first ultra-luxury retreat by Banyan Tree in Europe