We all understand that the Parthenon Sculptures belong to Greece and must return to Greece, Sir Stephen Fry, a distinguished British actor, writer, director, but also a well-known philhellene and supporter of the return of the Parthenon Sculptures, said on Wednesday during the presentation of his latest book, "Odyssey".
He also stressed that Britain must do so and be proud of it. "We have the opportunity to return these priceless sculptures to the place where they belong, to this wonderful Museum, to their homeland."
And then the journey will be complete and a smile with global reach will be ahieved, he added. Many of us in Britain believe that this should be done, he emphasised.
He also predicted that the sculptures will return to Greece. He explained that all major issues are determined by very small things. One of the most important things for the British is pride, he said and added: There is the idea that the British Museum and the British government would be happy to have the Sculptures return to Athens with a label, a sign underneath, that they are on loan from the British Museum. "Of course the Greek government and the Acropolis Museum would find that offensive. Because it is not true, it is not a loan," he stated.
"How can we call it a loan? How can we manage this simple issue at the level of just one small word? There are other words, for example, cooperation between the two museums. The right words should be found, it is that simple. And these could be the label under the works. And of course the Acropolis Museum is willing to send items to the British Museum. Because both are excellent museums," the British artist pointed out, among other things.