"We have come a long way, we have taken steps (forward) and the efforts continue. The negotiations are not easy," he said during a press briefing, without giving concrete details on their content.
Greek media have been in turmoil since reports last week appeared in the British press that the famous London museum was finalizing a deal with Greek authorities to allow the ancient friezes to be returned to Athens.
According to the Telegraph, the return to Greece of these treasures would take place within the framework of a "cultural exchange", which would make it possible to circumvent a British law preventing the London museum from dismantling its collection.
Following this information, a spokesperson for the British Museum told AFP that the museum was looking for "a new partnership" with Athens.
"As we enter a new year, discussions are ongoing," he added.
Athens has been calling for the return of the Parthenon friezes for decades, claiming they were "looted" while the country was under Ottoman occupation.
But London says the sculptures were "legally acquired" in 1802 by British diplomat Lord Elgin, who sold them to the British Museum.
“The objective is their permanent return,” Mr Oikonomou insisted, because Greece “does not recognize the possession or ownership (of the friezes) in the British Museum”.
However, the negotiated agreement would be, according to the sources quoted by the Telegraph, a loan agreement so that the works return to Greece quickly.
But this "gesture" would not end the quarrel, Athens intending to continue to demand full restitution.
© 2023 AFP