A former Swedish ambassador to Greece has called for the return of the Parthenon sculptures during an event held at the National Theatre in Stockholm.


Ett Levande Parthenon (A Living Parthenon) was a collaborative effort by the Swedish Committee for the Return of Parthenon Marbles, the National Theatre of Stockholm (Dramaten) and the Embassy of Greece to Sweden. Krister Kumlin, who served in Greece between 1993 and 1997, is the president of the Swedish Committee for the return of the marbles.

The Swedish diplomat described the marbles as a moral issue, saying it was essential that all the parts of the ancient carvings be housed in the Acropolis Museum in Athens. Kumlin argued that the timeless marbles “yearn for the sun of Attica” and their natural place is in the new Acropolis Museum.

During the event, Kumlin read a speech by Greek Culture Minister Lydia Koniordou in which she argues that “the reunification of the Parthenon marbles constitutes the main strategy of the Greek government and culture ministry.

“Our position that a solution must be found through diplomacy and dialogue with the British government and the British Museum in the framework of the international organizations, such as UNESCO, remains the same.”