MELINA MERCOURI

Read Churchill, he tells you how crucial was the Greek role in your decisive desert victory over Rommel.

In the world over, the very name of our country is immediately associated with the Parthenon.

You must understand what the Parthenon Marbles mean to us. They are our pride. They are our sacrifices. They are our noblest symbol of excellence. They are a tribute to the democratic philosophy. They are our aspirations and our name. They are the essence of Greekness.

In Greece we're too poor to go to psychiatrists -- we have friends instead.

Enthusiasm is a wonderful thing. In South America they throw flowers to you. In Greece Greeks throw themselves.

After independence was gained, one of the first Acts passed by the Greek government was for the protection and preservation of national monuments.

England and Greece are friends. English blood was shed on Greek soil in the war against fascism, and Greeks gave their lives to protect English pilots.

You know, it is said that we Greeks are a fervent and warm blooded breed. Well, let me tell you something - it is true.

There are no such things as the Elgin Marbles.

Much has been said and continues to be said of what little concern the Turks had for the Acropolis treasures.

We are ready to say that we rule the entire Elgin enterprise as irrelevant to the present.

You know, it is said that we Greeks are a fervent and warm blooded breed. Well, let me tell you something - it is true.

And, of course, it must be asked: is it proper to transact with the Turks for the most reassured of Greek possessions when Greece is under Turkish invasion and subjugation?

England and Greece are friends. English blood was shed on Greek soil in the war against fascism, and Greeks gave their lives to protect English pilots.

In the world over, the very name of our country is immediately associated with the Parthenon.

Read Churchill, he tells you how crucial was the Greek role in your decisive desert victory over Rommel.

We say to the British government: you have kept those sculptures for almost two centuries. You have cared for them as well as you could, for which we thank you. But now in the name of fairness and morality, please give them back.

There are no such things as the Elgin Marbles.

Much has been said and continues to be said of what little concern the Turks had for the Acropolis treasures.

You must understand what the Parthenon Marbles mean to us. They are our pride. They are our sacrifices. They are our noblest symbol of excellence. They are a tribute to the democratic philosophy. They are our aspirations and our name. They are the essence of Greekness.

In Greece we're too poor to go to psychiatrists -- we have friends instead.

After independence was gained, one of the first Acts passed by the Greek government was for the protection and preservation of national monuments.

Enthusiasm is a wonderful thing. In South America they throw flowers to you. In Greece Greeks throw themselves.