UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee

The British Museum seeks "realistic solutions" for the Parthenon Sculptures and a "new relationship" with Greece, following Turkey's intervention at a UNESCO conference when a Turkish representative claimed no Ottoman document legitimizes Lord Elgin's actions regarding the ancient Greek sculptures.

Turkey's spokesperson at a meeting of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for Promoting the Return of Cultural Property to its Countries of Origin or its Restitution in Case of Illicit Appropriation (ICPRCP) last week denied knowledge of a written authorization allowing Britain's Lord Elgin to sell large sections of the Parthenon's sculptural decorations that had been removed from the ancient

Culture Minister Lydia Koniordou has sent a letter to British counterpart Matt Hancock asking for an intensification of talks for the return to Greece of the Parthenon Marbles, which are housed at the British Museum.

In a statement, the Culture Ministry said the move came on the heels of Koniordou's visit to London in July.