Greece says Marbles' return not linked to Brexit talks

Greece distanced itself on Wednesday from suggestions that it planned to drag a centuries-old dispute over the return of the Parthenon marbles into Brexit negotiations.

Government spokesman Stelios Petsas said Athens would keep up its campaign for the return of the 2,500-old treasures and will consider which tools could support its cause.

"Greece's request for the return of the Parthenon marbles remains strong and it is not linked to a Brexit deal," Petsas said, asked if the issue could be a stumbling point in talks with Britain on its future relationship with the European Union.

"We'll continue to call for their return and if this is a tool we can use, we'll consider it in due course," he said.

Since independence in 1832, Greece has repeatedly called for the return of the sculptures - known in Britain as the Elgin Marbles — that British diplomat Lord...