UNESCO calls for Parthenon Marbles’ repatriation

Britain should return the Parthenon Marbles to Greece, UNESCO has decided.

According to Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, the body's Intergovernmental Committee for Promoting the Return of Cultural Property has recommended the UK begin talks with Greece over the long-debated issue.

UNESCO reportedly believes the UK must recognise "the issue is of an intergovernmental nature – in contrast to claims from the British side that it is a matter for the British Museum – and mainly that Greece has a valid and legal claim to demand the return of the sculptures to their place of birth", Mendoni said.

The British Museum has so far declined to return the artefacts, sometimes known as the Elgin Marbles after Lord Elgin, who stole them in the early 19th Century.