Statement by Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis on inauguration of New Acropolis Museum

"For the city of Athens to have a museum worthy of its history and culture was a decades-long vision. Today, along with the emotions that we feel in regards to the historic inauguration of the New Acropolis Museum, we proudly open our arms to the whole world in order for all people to become messengers of the unique and universal values of Greek art and culture. And now that the new museum exists, everything is ready to justify the vision of Melina Mercouri and for the British, while fulfilling their promise dating back to 1816, to return the Parthenon Marbles so everyone can enjoy them and appreciate the consolidated greater symbolism of the intellectual legacy of 5th century BC Athens".