Summary of the Chairman's report of the INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE "CULTURAL HORIZONS" organised by the Centre of European Studies and Humanities, "IOANNIS KAPODISTRIAS" in Athens 23-24 May 2000.

The official opening took place at the Zappeion with several excellent speakers talking about the aims of the conference in regard to the Parthenon Marbles Restitution effort. Approximately five minutes of a video clip was shown of Mrs Hilary Clinton expressing support from President Bill Clinton and herself.

The conference was held in the ballroom of the Grand Bretagne Hotel in Syntagma Square. There were morning and afternoon sessions at which a multitude of speakers delivered papers on the Parthenon Marbles issue.

The message thoughout was loud and clear, that the Parthenon Marbles should be returned to Greece, although there was an occasional dissenting voice.  This conclusion came after a thorough examination of the political, cultural, legal and historical issues.

If another such conference were to be organised, my view is that it should be in London where the message can be directly conveyed to the British authorities. Also, to be effective the message of restitution must come strongly from prominent people within England itself - that would give maximum impact to the campaign.

Let me once again express my strongest appreciation and praise to the organisers of this excellent first world conference dealing with the most important issue of restitution. The organising committee did so much to ensure its success and we were all very inpressed with the professionalism.

Emanuel John Comino OAM
Founder and Chairman
International Organising Committee - Australia - for the Restitution of the Parthenon Marbles.

For more information Brother Emanuel can be contacted on 0418 204 466 or e-mail emanuel@alfainsurance.com.au