February 24, 2003 - 22:01 AMT
BAKU AUTHORITIES TO DEMOLISH ARMENIAN AND RUSSIAN GRAVES
April 1 Baku authorities intend to begin demolishing Armenian and Russian graves situated in the segment of Narimanov cemetery, where a new highway will be laid. As reported by "Mediamax" agency, director of human rights center of Azerbaijan Eldar Zeynalov stated today. In his words, the Baku authorities note "their being abandoned for over 12 years" as a formal cause for destroying the graves. Before April 1 relatives of those buried can make a request for transferring the graves. Taking into account unavailability of the opportunity for the graves in Baku to be visited by Armenians, Eldar Zeynalov expressed opinion that international organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross could contribute to the reburial of the Armenians and Russians in Armenia and Russia.