ON RETURN OF PARTHENON SCULPTURES

The Hon. George SOURIS, BEc, DipFMgt, FAIM, FCPA MP

The annual meeting of the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association (WHIA - Oceania Region) in Perth resolved to increase public awareness of the issue of the return of the Parthenon Sculptures from the British Museum to Greece, said WHIA President, John Pandazopoulos MP.
Mr Pandazopoulos said that the opening of the new Acropolis Museum removes a major obstacle in Britain’s argument that there was no suitable venue to exhibit the famous sculptures.

Australian MP’s of Greek heritage met in the Parliament of Western Australia - Perth on the eve of the Conference of the Australian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and were united on this important issue.
The WHIA Oceania region will commence its campaign by taking the opportunity to raise the issue with MP’s from around Australia, who are meeting at the CPA Conference in Perth.
Brochures and representations were made as a prelude to the campaign to engage all Australian MP’s in the ultimate goal of restoring the sculptures to their rightful home, said George Souris MP, the Oceania regional representative attending the Conference in Perth.
The WHIA is also seeking to extend its campaign by raising awareness amongst other Philhellenes within the Australian-Oceania region.