These marbles have been in the UK for almost 200 years now. But Greece still hopes for their return. However, London is not of this opinion and refuses to return these marbles to the Parthenon.
Works from the Parthenon
This Saturday, May 23, the Hellenic Republic once again put pressure on the United Kingdom for the return of the Parthenon marbles. The ensemble includes half of the large frieze that decorated the iconic temple. These friezes represent the battles between the Greeks and the centaurs. They were extracted from the place in 1816 by Lord Elgin. Nevertheless, it is necessary to clarify that this transaction was carried out with the authorization of the Ottoman authorities who ruled Greece at the time. Currently, these works of art are on display at the British Museum. They are very valuable to this museum and London has every intention of not parting with them. 
Works of art that are an integral part of Greek history
Lina Mendoni, the Greek Minister of Culture, said on Saturday that the marbles had been "looted". According to her, Greece will never recognize the ownership of the British Museum on the friezes. She hopes for a return very soon of these works of art that are part of the history of Greece:
"The reopening of archaeological sites […] is an opportunity for the international committees supporting the return of the Parthenon Marbles to reaffirm their incessant demand and that of the Greek government for a definitive return of the marbles to their homeland."
For his part, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis made a different official request. He asks that these friezes be loaned to Athens for the celebrations of the200th anniversary of Greek independence in 2021. In addition, on 21 May, a new letter was sent to the Greek Ministry of Culture. The International Association for the Reunification of Parthenon Sculptures proposes to continue the pressure on the British Museum. Greece has, for decades, made multiple demands for the return of these marbles. She once wanted to take London to court to recover these works of art. However, in recent years Greece has only fought through diplomatic channels by proposing a UNESCO mediation. It was always a failure. Should we expect prosecutions in the coming years? Time will tell…
