Reunite the Parthenon Marbles!

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 9th Feb 2004

Richard Allan MP (Steering Group member of Parthenon 2004) tells actress Vanessa Redgrave and Sarah Ludford MEP of the plans for displaying the Marbles in Athens.

London's LibDem Euro-MP Baroness Sarah Ludford has added her support to a joint letter with Greek MEP Alexandros Alavanos and other MEPs to Tony Blair, highlighting the case for the return of the Parthenon ('Elgin') Marbles to Athens in time for the 2004 Olympics.

Sarah Ludford is a supporter of the campaign group Parthenon 2004 and sees 2004 as a perfect opportunity for the UK to give a commitment to reunite the Marbles.

"The Marbles need to be displayed in their proper context, only then will they be able to be fully appreciated.

"Restoring the unity of the monument would be a forward looking, internationalist act for world heritage and it would be a disgrace if the Government misses this perfect opportunity."

The joint letter:

The Rt Hon Tony Blair MP

Prime Minister of the U.K.

A high percentage of the British public opinion - 81% in a recent poll, but also 90% of people employed at the Museums of Britain according to an opinion poll - are in favour of the demand for restitution of the Parthenon Marbles to Athens in the course of 2004.

According to a written declaration of the European Parliament of 28.01.1999 (O.J. C128/07.05.1999) in connection with the return of the Parthenon Marbles, "the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece would be a key move in promoting Europe's common cultural heritage".

We call upon your government to examine positively the request of Greece for the return of the Marbles and in this way to contribute to the restoration of the integrity of the Acropolis's Monument.

Related Link:

Parthenon 2004.