Talks in two weeks' time will be the first serious negotiations after years of resistance by the British Museum.

The director of the museum . . . holders of the sculptures for nearly 200 years . . . has hinted of a possible six-month loan.

The move has been welcomed by Victoria Solomonides, of London's Greek Embassy.

Talks between senior representatives from both nation's cultural ministries will take place in London on 4 May.