Greece would not accept a short loan of the Parthenon Marbles from the British Museum as it would "legalise their snatching", the Culture Minister said.

Antonis Samaras said any loan would mean renouncing Greece's claim to the 2,500-year-old sculptures.

The Marbles, also known as the Elgin Marbles, have been in London since they were sold to the museum in 1817.

Greece hopes one day to display the collection in the Acropolis Museum, which opens in Athens next weekend.