Russia to launch major renovation of Red Square

Moscow, Mar 10 (UNI) After the official inauguration of the President-elect Dmitry Medvedev on May 7, the Kremlin administration will launch a major renovation of the historic Red Square, in the centre of Moscow.

Under the planned major repair work, bulk of all paving stones of the Red Square will be replaced.

Repair work is set to begin after the Victory Day parade on May 9 to avoid further damage to paving stones by military equipment, Interfax news agency reported.

The presidential administration has promised that Moscow's main tourist spot will not be shut for very long, although it did not specify yet how much time the renovation will take.

''During the renovations Red Square will either be completely or partially closed to the public,'' Vladimir Kozhin, of the President's administration told Interfax news agency.

''Specialists are currently studying how and when the repair work on the square should begin. We do not want to close it for long,'' he added.

According to the specialists, the melting of ice in spring and throughout the winter, as well as stiletto heels worn by many women, which are ruefully alleged to damage the surface of the paving, greatly contributed to the worsening state of Red Square's paving stones.

The renovation of Red Square's surface will be carried out using the most up-to-date technology without jeopardising its historical character, the presidential administration said.

As repairs on Red Square take place, new architectural features will be sprouting around the area. Construction work for a new multi-purpose complex ''Kremlyovsky,'' opposite St Basil's Cathedral is set to begin at the same time as Red Square's renovation.

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