AssA-Irada,
15, May 2008

UNESCO is concerned over the developments in Icheri Sheher (Old City), its secretary general says.

Koichiro Matsuura told a news conference in Baku on Thursday that since his first visit to Azerbaijan, he has taken great interest in Icheri Sheher, a historical monument located downtown Baku, which led to its conclusion in the list of monuments protected by the organization.

"But unfortunately, there are problems in the historic part of Baku. I was there and witnessed this firsthand. Construction of new buildings close to historical monuments poses a serious threat," Matsuura said, citing the need for putting an end to construction operations in the area and comprehensive management of the country's historical and cultural monument.

He noted that the problem of protecting ancient historical monuments is observed not only in Azerbaijan but in most countries. Preserving these sites in the centers of many cities worldwide has proven a daunting task. "Urbanization is advancing rapidly. This being said, the protection of such monuments is currently an issue facing many UNESCO member states."

Matsuura pledged to heed attention to the protection of Icheri Sheher, emphasizing the importance of keeping it intact. "I hope that the situation in Icheri Sheher will change for the better in the near future."

Matsuura added that protecting the monument was a task of not only the government but also Azerbaijani citizens.