The photo on July 24 shows a new road running between the ongoing construction of the nearly completed National Assembly House and the World Heritage site, which lie in the vicinity. The construction is said to severely affect the site. — Photo Tran The Vinh

HA NOI (VNS) — The culture ministry announced that state bodies have thoroughly understood and gained valuable experience from the management and conservation of the Central Sector of Thang Long – Ha Noi Imperial Citadel.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's announcement on Tuesday was based on the conclusion reached by Deputy Minister Dang Thi Bich Lien during a recent meeting with the concerned authorities and parties.

According to the deputy minister, the reality is that the ongoing construction of the new National Assembly House and the Ba Dinh Conference Hall has affected the World Heritage site of the Imperial Citadel.

The ministry's announcement follows a petition submitted by the associations of Historical Sciences, Cultural Heritage and Archaeologists, and the UNESCO World Heritage Centre's request for verification and more information concerning the construction which is being done close to the archaeological site on 18 Hoang Dieu Street.

To deal with the issue immediately, Deputy Minister Lien demanded the establishment of a task force to address the problems mentioned in the associations' petition, and asked the municipal People's Committee to check and clarify the accountability of every unit which is presiding over the management and conservation of the Imperial Citadel.

The Conservation Centre of Thang Long-Ha Noi Vestige has been asked to improve its co-ordination with the construction project's management board, and to assign officials to supervise the construction work which is likely to affect the heritage site.

The deputy minister also said that excavation pits should be promptly covered with sand and the area belonging to the archaeological site should be cleaned.

The concerned parties have been asked to meet between Wednesday and Sunday and finalise measures to resolve the issue within these five days. The proposals will then be submitted to the Government for consideration before an official reply is sent to the three associations.— VNS