Building on the success of the 2012 colloquy held in London, campaigners for the return of the missing marbles from the Parthenon Frieze have announced a major event to take place in Sydney later this year.

Coordinated by the International Organising Committee Australia for the Restitution of the Parthenon Marbles, in partnership with its associated British and US committees, the two-day colloquy will take place on 16 and 17 November at the University of Sydney.

The meeting of minds will bring together international speakers, academics and legal experts to discuss how international pressure can further be exerted to hasten the return of the marbles to Greece – most of which have been on permanent display in the British Museum since 1817.

Despite widespread international support for Greece’s position, British Prime Minister David Cameron recently reaffirmed his opposition to their return to Athens.

In February, during a visit to India, Mr Cameron turned down requests for the return of the Koh-i-noor diamond to Britain’s former colony – saying he did not believe in “returnism.”

Mr Cameron also referred to the “Elgin marbles” – which he said should remain in the British Museum.
The museum continues to claim legal title to the sculptures under international law.

Greece’s Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, when culture minister in 2009, rejected an offer from the museum to return a section of the Marbles on a three-month loan.

Mr Samaras said the deal would have meant renouncing Greek claims to the 2,500-year-old sculptures, which have been in London for more than two centuries.

Dennis Tritaris – coordinator of the international colloquy The Parthenon: An Icon of Global Citizenship Sydney 2013 told Neos Kosmos that the November event’s main purpose is to showcase the importance of the Parthenon as a global icon.

“Participants will have the opportunity to listen to lectures by scientists in the fields of education, archaeology law and more.

“They will be updated on the latest developments from campaigners and activists from around the world, but most importantly they will have the opportunity to contribute to the discussion,” said Mr Tritaris.

“We hope that what will come out of this colloquy is a momentum for change and practical recommendations and solutions for all parties involved.”

Mr Tritaris added that recent publicity given to the British PM’s pronouncements showed the complexity of the dispute between Greece and the UK.

“We have a British Prime Minister who is not properly informed. He referred to the ‘Elgin Marbles’, a term that even the British Museum has stopped using for years now, giving his personal opinion on an issue.

“It would be great if the resolution of this dispute relied on one person. Unfortunately the reality is that this dispute is more complicated and it will require a lot of effort, open discussion and common sense.”

The Sydney colloquy will bring together campaigners, scholars and academics from around the world and concentrate on four themes; education, economy, activism and litigation.

Organisers are appealing for papers to be presented at the colloquy which showcase the major heritage and historical value of the Parthenon as a globally recognised icon and refer to the colloquy’s four main themes.

The deadline for papers is 31 July. For further details and registration go to www.parthenonmarblesaustralia.org.au