With proof that the Parthenon Sculptures were removed with saws from the FriezeThe meeting of the Unesco Special Committee was revealing and brought a new twist to the Greek claim from the British

New information about violent detachment of the Parthenon sculptures and their theft by Lord Elgin The 23rd Session of the Intergovernmental Panel on the Promotion of the Return of Political Goods, or ICPRCP, was held in Paris this week.

The argument of the Deputy Director of the British Museum Dr. Jonathan Williams, that the stolen objects were on the ground, saying that “Much of the frieze was actually removed from the ruins around the Parthenon“, Was contradicted by state by letters between Elgin and the painter Giovanni Battista Luzieri.

The use of special saws for marble and other machines to remove sculptures from the frieze can be seen in Elgin’s correspondence and Lucieri, who had been commissioned to oversee the removal of the antiquities in 1801.

The issue is highlighted today by the Guardian newspaper with the title “Greece denies the British Museum“, In which the Greek Minister of Culture stated:

«Over the years, the Greek authorities and the international scientific community have proved with unshakable arguments the true facts surrounding the removal of the Parthenon sculptures.. Lord Elgin used illegal and unjust means to seize and explain the sculptures of the Parthenon.without actual legal authorization to do so, in a conclusive act of serial theft».

ERT contacted the British Ministry of Culture who insists on his position and refuses to talk to Greece.

Government representative of the Ministry. Culture (DCMS) told ERT: “The UK government has not agreed on formal talks on the Parthenon Sculptures. While we are always happy to discuss cultural cooperation issues with our Greek colleagues, the Parthenon Sculptures belong to the British Museum, which is operated by the government. Therefore, this is a matter for the museum administrators. The United Kingdom’s long-standing position on this issue has not changed».

Response: Eudoxia Liberi