Cyprus supports repatriation of Parthenon sculptures at UNESCO meeting

The Republic of Cyprus formally advocated for the return and reunification of the Parthenon sculptures to Greece during the 25th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee (ICPRCP), held in Paris from May 20–22, 2024. Cyprus, participating as an observer, characterized the continued retention of the artifacts by the British Museum as a 'colonial injustice' and a legal, cultural, and historical necessity for their return. During the meetings, it was noted that there is no official Ottoman firman document to validate Lord Elgin’s original acquisition of the sculptures. The majority of member states present expressed support for Greece's request for reunification. Additionally, the event addressed the 1970 UNESCO Convention regarding the illicit import and export of cultural property, in which Cyprus also participated from May 18–19. The discussion emphasized the existence of the Acropolis Museum as a modern facility prepared to house the artifacts. The Cypriot delegation highlighted that the removal of the sculptures remains an unresolved issue regarding a World Heritage site.