DUSHANBE, May 6, 2011, Asia-Plus  -- Demolition of Lenin statues caused lively debates during a May 6 sitting of the Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower chamber of parliament).

Participating in discussion of amendments proposed to the law “On Culture,” Tajik Communist leader Shodi Shabdolov condemned authorities’ actions regarding demolition of monuments of the Soviet era in the country.

MP Shabdolov, in particular, noted that under the country’s Constitution, nobody had the right to demolish or remove historical and cultural relics.

He expressed regret that a real war has been declared in Tajikistan on the Soviet-era monuments.  “We are surprised at the authorities’ position over this issue,” said Shabdolov, “They protect monuments of the Buddhist era, the period of the Mongol invasion but not the monuments to Lenin and prominent Soviet statesmen.”

Minister of Culture Mirzoshorukh Asrori noted that they were currently preparing lists of monuments of world, republican and regional values.  “If the Lenin statues are put on one of these lists, they will be taken under state protection,” the minister said, noting that he is supporter of restoration of the demolished Lenin statues.

State Adviser to the President for Legal Policy Jumakhon Davlatov, who is also President’s Representative to Parliament, noted that a trend of demolishing the Communist-era monuments was characteristic for all countries of the world.  “I, however, think that the government of Tajikistan will take measures to preserve the Lenin statues,” he noted.

We will recall that Tajik Communists in April expressed dissatisfaction with decision of Sughd authorities to demolish the monument to the Bolshevik revolutionary leader in Khujand.

The statue on the right bank of the Syrdarya River, which is believed to be the highest monument to the Vladimir Lenin in Central Asia, was built in 1974.  A 12.5-meter pedestal was constructed from black gabbro and the statue at the same height was constructed from stainless steel.

The fountains surrounding the statue have practically been dismantled and work on constructing a new site – for the Ismoili Somoni statue – is being carried out in full gear.

The date of dismantlement of the Lenin statue itself is still unknown.  Local authorities say the Lenin statue to be transferred to Victory Park on the bank of the Syrdarya River, where pedestal is being built for the statue.