Sunak Escalates Elgin Marbles Row, Accusing Greek Premier of Bad Faith
- UK says Greek side agreed not to discuss sculptures publicly
- Greek officials deny any deal, say position is well known
Visitors view the Parthenon marbles at the British Museum in London.
Photographer: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
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UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak blamed his Greek counterpart for their diplomatic spat and in comments that risk further amplifying tensions, made clear he wants the Parthenon Sculptures at the center of the dispute to remain in the British Museum in London.
The latest episode in a centuries-long feud was sparked when Sunak abruptly canceled a meeting set for Tuesday with Greek premier Kyriakos Mitsotakis. According to Sunak’s spokesman, that was because the Greek government failed to “adhere” to “assurances” it had given that Mitsotakis wouldn’t use his visit to publicly discuss “ancient grievances” about the sculptures.