Aphrodite may return to Italy

ROME, May 11 (UPI) -- The J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles may be ready to return the 5th century statue Aphrodite to Italy but won't consider giving up its 3rd century bronze.

The statues have been at the center of a long-running dispute between the museum and officials in Italy.

Museum Curator Michael Brand is urging Italian Cultural Minister Francesco Rutilli to offer some wiggle room so the stalled talks on the antiquities Italy charges were looted can move forward, the ANSA news agency reported Friday.

Brand says Italy's claim to Aphrodite is "a rather reasonable request" but not so when it comes to the "Victorious Youth" bronze attributed to the Greek sculptor Lysippos.

"I have said this very clearly, I'd be really happy to pick up the talks. But their position, as we know, is 'no bronze no deal'," he told ANSA. "I remain optimistic but I'd like to see a certain flexibility; it's in the interests of both sides to resume negotiations and collaboration."

Brand said the Italian government has not responded to the two letters he has sent on the issue.

The museum has offered to return 26 artifacts, while Italy wants 52 items returned.