Government refuses to demolish former National Library building, so far
The building that hosted the former National Library of Belarus in downtown Minsk will not be demolished so far. Anton Astapovih, the chairman of the History and Culture Heritage Protection Society, recently received a respond from the Ministry of Culture signed by deputy minister Hrydzyushka. The official wrote that no documents to approve the demolition of the building and the construction of office complexes on this site had been received by the Ministry of Culture.
Unofficial reports suggested in February that the building, located next to the Office of the President, was to be destroyed. Built in 1931, it survived the WWII bombings but could disappear in peace time. The Belarusian Society for Heritage Protection started ringing alarm bells, because the building is a cultural and historical heritage.
Anton Astapovich assumed in an interview with the European Radio for Belarus that the official answer is proof that the government's plans were disrupted by the attention to this matter from the media.
He promises to keep monitoring the situation. Astapovich thinks "the problem will arise again after some time anyway".
Unofficial reports suggested in February that the building, located next to the Office of the President, was to be destroyed. Built in 1931, it survived the WWII bombings but could disappear in peace time. The Belarusian Society for Heritage Protection started ringing alarm bells, because the building is a cultural and historical heritage.
Anton Astapovich assumed in an interview with the European Radio for Belarus that the official answer is proof that the government's plans were disrupted by the attention to this matter from the media.
He promises to keep monitoring the situation. Astapovich thinks "the problem will arise again after some time anyway".
