More powerful than ever is now the request for the return of Parthenon Marbles, as it appeared from the International Meeting “Parthenon & Democracy” that took place at the Museum of Acropolis on Friday, September 16th 2022 and was broadcasted via live streaming all around the World.
The meeting was organized on the occasion of the General Meeting of the International Association for the reunification of Parthenon Marbles with the participation of personalities throughout the world that are fighting for the return of Marbles.
The General Director of the Acropolis Museum, Professor Nikos Stampolidis opened the meeting with an emotional way referring to the great loss of the Founder President of the Museum, Dimitris Pantermelis asking from the present persons to observe a moment of silence.
Greetings have also been extended by the Minister of Culture, Mrs. Lina Mendoni and the Ambassador of Good Will of UNESCO, Mrs. Marianna V. Vardinoyannis.
The atmosphere was highly charged due to the recent loss of Dimitris Pantermelis and the Minister of Culture, Mrs. Lina Mendoni has announced the renaming of the Amphitheater of Acropolis Museum to “Amphitheater Dimitris Pantermelis”.
Mrs. Mendoni had at the same time referred to the coordinated national effort for the return of Parthenon Marbles, an effort that has already brought results pointing out that: “The request for the return and the reunification of Marbles to Athens it is not only a Greek and National request but a universal and Ecumenical one… It is now more than evident around the world that, the issue of Marbles reunification, it is beyond than a legal, scientific and moral issue, being actually an extremely political and governmental issue”.
Mrs. Vardinoyannis has pointed out that, the considerable change of climate with regards the return of Parthenon Marbles, made us more optimistic for the outcome of this effort giving emphasis to the highest symbolism of Parthenon: “Parthenon is globally considered as the symbol of Democracy, free thought, measure and harmony. Any discussion therefore for Parthenon is a discussion about Democracy and a discussion about the right to the free expression and the right of people to their history and civilization”.
Mrs. Vardinoyannis has also referred to the personality and offer of Dimitris Pantermelis and their cooperation via congresses, meeting, publications and important actions having as center the return of Parthenon Marbles: “He was the soul of Museum of Acroplis even before its establishment. He was not just a Museum Director. He was a visionary. He has been visualized and materialized this place which nobody in this world is disputing that, it is the ideal to welcome the Parthenon marbles”.
Mrs. Vardinoyannis has also made a special reference to Melina Mercouris, to their friendship and the promise she had given to her just before her death, to continue to fight for the return of marbles, a promise which, as Mrs. Vardinoyannis said, has been kept by all Greek people.
The General Director of Acropolis Museum, Professor Nikos Stampolidis has made a sensational speech with subject: “The Frieze of Parhenon and the Democracy” saying among others: “It is first time in this temple of Parthenon that, the “Golden Era of Pericles” was bold enough to thing, design and sculpt on the hard material of Pentelis marble a figure of this era: the Panathenaic Procession where participate all classes of the Athenian Democracy without any exception”. Mr. Stampolidis has also appealed for the marbles return emphasizing that: “The beginning is the one half of everything. What Italy has done with the Fagan Fragment which is the first return that a country makes to another country, shows the way that the other countries must follow. And I especially apply to the United Kingdom which must contribute in this way to the restoration of a monument which is the symbol of the Global Civilization and to the restoration of history, justice, peace and Democracy. As the Ancient used to say «ο τρώσας και ιασεται» (He, that wounded will heal) . He has also thanked Mrs. Vardinoyannis and “Marianna V. Vardinoyannis Foundation” for their contribution and assistance at this great battle and for the organization of this meeting.
Professor Manolis Korres, the Archaeologist Angelos Mattheou, the Archaeologist Dr. Elena Korka, the head of Directorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities Dr. Elena Kountouri, the President of the International Association for the reunification of Parthenon Marbles Dr. Christian Tygat and representatives of the committees for the reunification of Parthenon Marbles from Belgium, Great Britain, Austria, Australia, Switzerland and Brazil have also spoken at the meeting.
