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Last update - 05:37 26/02/2009
Jerusalemites chafe as Russians resume control of Sergei Courtyard
By Nir Hasson
Tags: russia, sergei courtyard 

After more than 100 years, the Russians have returned to Sergei Courtyard. Senior members of the Russian parliament and Eastern Orthodox Church have begun arriving at the site to begin renovation work as the structure reverts from Israeli to Russian control.

The renovations have been fiercely criticized by organizations whose offices are located in the building, as well as by the Jerusalem Municipality.

The site was constructed in 1890 for the benefit of pilgrims from czarist Russia, and for years was one of the city's most lavish lodgings for pilgrims and aristocrats. Following World War I, it passed to the hands of British Mandate authorities, and then to Israel.
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In recent years the Kremlin has demanded its return, claiming it was acquired illegally. In October Prime Minister Ehud Olmert announced it would be returned as a goodwill gesture, following Knesset approval of the move and a High Court rejection of a petition against the transfer.

The first stage of the handover involves Russia's receiving full authority over one wing of the courtyard, the area where renovation began this week, and talks will eventually be held over the future of the site as a whole. Organizations that currently have offices in the building - the Agriculture Ministry, Parks and Nature Authority and Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel - fear they will be forced to leave.

"Our principal concern is that the courtyard remains open to the public despite coming under Russian ownership. It's not only our offices there - the courtyard was used as the center of a wide array of activities for Jerusalem residents," says Pazit Shavid, manager of the SPNI branch in the capital.

Meanwhile, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat wrote to Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni calling for maintaining the status quo over public access to the site. "Tens of thousands of visitors come to the site annually, due to the efforts of the SPNI, a situation that must be protected at all costs," he wrote.

Barkat also expressed concern that other countries with links to property in Jerusalem might seek to assert control over them. He also requested that a representative from his office participate in talks with Russian authorities over the courtyard.

Related articles:
  • NGO appeals decision to hand over Jerusalem compound to Russia
  • Sergei Courtyard to be handed over to Russia
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      1.   and what do the Russians have planned for this place??? 08:10  |  Jo 26/02/09
      2.   After 1948 All Colonial Arrangements Ended in Israel 09:03  |  Baruch Gold 26/02/09
      3.   Jewish Property in Russia 09:44  |  Dov Stein 26/02/09
      4.   NOT a good precedent set by olmert! 09:59  |  eric 26/02/09
      5.   At the same time Russia is giving Iran enriched uranium 10:09  |  Michael 26/02/09
      6.   Leave it to Olamert 10:21  |  Jew 26/02/09
      7.   Michae #5 11:52  |  Esther 26/02/09
      8.   Right, Baruch Goldstein, now compare the map of Israel 14:27  |  zmogus 27/02/09
      9.   Traitor Olmert will give away pieces of Israel to anyone - 23:34  |  Linda Rivera 27/02/09
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