Recent interest by the British government and media on the Parthenon Marbles issue reveals a strategic shift towards a "lending" model rather than permanent "reunification."
The new Labour Culture Secretary's encouragement of discussions between the British Museum and Greek authorities, while maintaining the Museum's control over the Marbles, suggests no change in the legal framework preventing their return.
This strategic shift aims to reshape public perception by promoting "lending" as a fair compromise, while portraying Greece's demand for reunification as inflexible.
The recent successful loan of artifacts to Ghana is being used as a precedent to promote this idea.
Meanwhile, Turkey has challenged the British Museum's claim to the Marbles, highlighting the lack of official documentation proving their legal acquisition. This challenges the British narrative that the Marbles were legally purchased.
Hence, the British strategy focuses on deflecting the core issue of ownership by pushing the idea of lending. This approach may appear like a compromise, but it does not satisfy Greece's demand for the permanent return of the Parthenon Marbles.
*By Katerina Anesti