IRNA, Iran
March 27, 2005 Sunday
Matsuura: Concerns over Jahan-Nama Tower project not a political
issue
Isfahan, March 27, IRNA Iran-UNESCO-Naqsh-e Jahan Director General of
the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) Kushiro Matsuura here Sunday said that the concerns over
Jahan-Nama Tower project currently under construction adjacent to
Isfahan’s Imam Khomeini (Naqsh-e Jahan) Square is not a political
issue.
Speaking at the banquet in Isfahan’s Abbasi Hotel hosted by the
provincial Governor General Mahmoud Hosseini, Matsuura added that no
historical monument has ever been omitted from the world heritage
list.
“However, in case this takes place in any country, the relevant
political consequences will be quite detrimental.
>>From UNESCO’s point of view there is no political motivation behind
the move and the world heritage is the main concern in this case.
Concerning the likelihood of such an event, he noted, “Given that
President Mohammad Khatami and the provincial governor general are
determined to convince the municipality and city council of the
provincial capital of Isfahan to make the necessary adjustments in
the tower, I do not even wish to consider such a possibility.”
For his part, Hosseini said that Isfahan Municipality and City
Council are doing their best to safeguard the provincial historical
monuments.
“Similar to the decision taken on the urban metro project to change
its initially planned route to prevent its crossing through
Chahar-Bagh, we are determined to make the necessary changes in
Jahan-Nama Tower to safeguard its international status,” added
Hosseini.
The official referred to Zayandeh Roud area as a significant
historical site in the province and of great value in view of the
world heritage.
During his two- -day visit to Isfahan, Matsuura toured some of the
city’s archaic relics including the historical bridges, Imam Khomeini
Square Complex, Chehel-Sotoun Palace, Qeisarieh Bazaar, Vang Church
and the Armenians neighborhood.
Iran’s Human Rights Defenders Association has already filed a
complaint against Jahan-Nama contractors with Isfahan Justice
Department and a verdict calling for a halt to the project has been
issued.
Despite the verdict, it has not yet been enforced.
The construction of Jahan-Nama Tower project, as a cultural and
commercial complex, was launched in 1996. It is being constructed in
an area measuring 90,000 square meters and is situated adjacent to
the historical Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Chahar- -Bagh and other ancient
monuments.