US Congressmen to Introduce Legislation on Return of Parthenon Marbles

US Congressmen Donald Payne and Republican Blilirakis announced their intention of introducing a bill calling for the return of the Parthenon Marbles by the British Museum, where they are currently on display. They pointed out that the "Parthenon is the symbol of the cultural heritage, an ecumenical symbol of democracy and freedom as well as the pray mark for Christians and Muslims. For all these reasons the issue of the Marbles does not concern only Greeks but also the whole world." In addition they stressed that the US treats the Parthenon with respect and this is proved by the fact that the Parthenon is the model for many buildings in American states, the most important of which is the Lincoln Monument in Washington. It is also stressed that the return of the marbles can be an indication of respect by Britain regarding classical art. It is also mentioned in the bill that Greece with the "New Acropolis Museum" is in a position to secure the marbles much better than The British Museum does. So the British government is called to initiate negotiations with the Greek government over the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece

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