• The integrity of the unique Monument known as the Parthenon is our first and foremost concern.
  
  
• This monument was not built as a storehouse for free-standing sculptures. The Parthenon sculptures were conceived and created as an integral part of the temple. Having kept them apart from the rest of the monument for nearly two centuries is long enough and should no longer be tolerated. The time has come for the re-unification of the monument on its original site on the Acropolis. Therefore, what we ask is for the sculptures to be returned so that they can be housed in a new state-of-the-art Acropolis Museum. The integrity of the monument will thus be restored on its original site with the sculptures displayed against the background of the Parthenon and in visual contact with the temple.
  
  
• Returning the sculptures to Greece will not diminish Greece’s presence in the British Museum. Quite the contrary, in fact. For one thing, full use can be made of modern technology that can produce copies of the originals so perfect that these can be distinguished from the originals only through elaborate chemical analysis. There is also the possibility of holding periodic exhibitions of valuable, rare, and stunning Greek antiquities in London on loan from Greek Museums. The great British Museum might even see its worldwide prestige and appeal enhanced if the Greek proposal for a negotiated return of the Parthenon sculptures is implemented.
  
  
• The Greek people request the restitution of only those sculptures removed from the Parthenon by Lord Elgin and make no general claim for the restitution of any other of the hundreds of thousands of Greek artifacts that exist in museums around the world. They simply want to restore the unity of a unique monument, which is the symbol not only of Greek democracy and cultural heritage, but of Greek psyche and identity.