Canadian urges Britain to return Greek treasures

Some people may think he's lost his marbles, but a provincial politician from the Canadian Prairies has waded into an international spat over some ancient sculptures.

The treasures are known as the Parthenon Marbles, carved in Greece thousands of years ago.

In the early 1800s, British Lord Elgin began removing many of the artworks from Athens when the area was under Turkish occupation.

The sculptures are now on display at the British Museum.

For years, Greece has demanded the return of the Parthenon Marbles.

Although some opinion polls in Britain show that a majority of people there think the art pieces should be sent back, the government refuses.

Lobbying efforts have intensified since Athens won the right to hold the 2004 Olympic Games, and not just within Greece. Groups have begun campaigning in several countries including Australia, the United States, and Canada.

A member of the Manitoba legislature, Steve Aston, is now spending his spare time on behalf of a delegation trying to get the sculptures returned.

"I don't think people realized how important this is to people in Greece," he tells journalists outside the museum in London.

Ashton admits some people back in his home province may not understand why he's taken up the cause. For starters, his wife is Greek.

"People ask: 'What's an MLA from Thompson, Manitoba doing involved in an issue like that?'," Ashton says.

"You have to have a world view. You have to have some passions in life, and this is one of my passion."

On Friday, Britain's Minister of Culture said the sculptures would not be sent back to Greece.

Despite the setback, Ashton's group plans to keep hammering away at their goal.

The Canadian Committee for the Restitution of the Parthenon Marbles is planning a campaign from B.C. to Newfoundland to build support for the cause.