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Melina's Speech to the Oxford Union (1986) Source: The Melina Mercouri Foundation Mr President, Honourable members, Ladies and Gentlemen. At once let me thank the Oxford Union for introducing this resolution for debate, and thanks for inviting me. I think that it is good, that this evening a Greek voice should be heard. Even a voice with my poor accent. I hear it and I wince. I am reminded of what Brendan Behan once said of a certain broadcaster: "He speaks as if he had the Elgin Marbles in his mouth". There are other thanks I need to make; to the many British citizens who have defended my government's position, to the Honourable Members of both Houses who have manifested interest and sympathy for the return, to the participants in tonight's debate, and of course, for its efforts to bring the truth to the English people, my deepest gratitude to the British Committee for the Restitution of the Parthenon Marbles. And the Parthenon Marbles they are. There are no such things as the Elgin Marbles. There is a Michael Angelo David. There is a Da Vinci Venus. There is a Praxiteles Hermes. There is a Turner "Fishermen at Sea". There are no Elgin Marbles! 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 I am not known for being an exception. Knowing what these sculptures mean to the Greek people, it is not easy to address their having been taken from Greece dispassionately, but I shall try. I promise. (extract) Check that you understand what these words mean in this document Debate: a formal discussion. Accent: pronunciation of words. To manifest: to show. Fervent: having strong feelings. Dispassionately: without having strong feelings. Further reading: Melina Mercouri Speech to the Oxford Union