LONDON, April 21 (UPI) -- Britain and Greece will meet for the first time to negotiate the return to Athens of some ancient Greek sculptures known as the Elgin Marbles.
The BBC said Saturday that the talks will begin May 4 in London between senior representatives from both nations' cultural ministries and their attorneys.
The collection was removed from the Parthenon temple in Athens and other buildings by Thomas Bruce and shipped to England about 200 years ago, ostensibly to save them from the Turks. The British Museum has fought demands for their return, citing the corrosive dangers posed by Athens' dirty air.
The BBC said the director of the British Museum had "hinted of a possible six-month loan." The indication was welcomed by the Greek Embassy in London.
It has been suggested that the sculptures be placed in a British Museum annex due to open in Athens this summer, leaving ownership with the British but allowing Greeks and their visitors to enjoy the priceless works of art.
