Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni welcomed Stephen Fry to Athens for the launch of his latest book 'Odyssey: The Greek Myths Reimagined'. 

Speaking at the Acropolis Museum alongside Minister Kefalogianni and Professor Stampolidis, the Director General of the museum, Stephen Fry stressed the importance of Britain working together with Greece to find a mutually agreeable solution for the return of the sculptures, currently housed at the British Museum in London. He pointed to recent examples of international collaboration, such as the return of the Fagan fragment from Sicily and the Pope’s donation from the Vatican Museum. We would add that there was an earlier return, the 

Stephen Fry’s calls for the return of the Parthenon Marbles began in 2011, continuing the efforts of his late friend, journalist Christopher Hitchens, who passed away that same year. Christopher Hichens wrote and was in London for the 3rd edition launch of 'The Parthenon, A Case for Reunification' in May 2008 at Chatham House, organised by BCRPM. The third edition is dedicated to BCRPM founder, James Cubitt and funds to publish this edition were raised by BCRPM and George Bizos with the South African Committee supporting the reunification of the Parthenon Marbles.

BCRPM member, Christina Borg, interviewed Christopher at the 3rd edition book launch. To read that interview follow the link here.

To listen to Stephen's words during his Athens visit, visit YouTube. During this clip Professor Stampolidis the Director General of the Acropolis Museum is also speaking and reminds us all of the huge contribution that UNESCO's ICPRCP has made to raising the the plight of the divided Parthenon Marbles at international level. This was initiated over four decades ago by the then Greek Minister of Culture, Melina Mercouri and since 2021 including consecutive meetings of the ICPRCP, the recommendations made have added pressure to both the UK government and the British Museum, to begin dialogue and find a way forward. 

The great news is that dialogue did begin between PM Mitsotakis and the British Museum in 2021, and continues. 

Articles on Stephen Fry's Athens visit also in eKathimerini, ProThema and GTP.