RIGA - A UNESCO expert is in Lithuania to prepare a conclusion on whether Trakai should be proposed for inclusion in the World Heritage List.
"The expert will assess the condition and the protection of the park," Culture Minister Roma Zakaitiene told the Baltic News Service on Thursday through her spokeswoman.
She added that the expert, Viera Dvorzhakova, would state her opinion on the suitability of the park for the prestigious list.
The ministry added that a decision on whether to include Trakai Historical National Park on the list would likely be made in 2005.
Dvorzhakova was briefed on the legal base to ensure that the protection of the Trakai Historical National Park meets the requirements set for world heritage objects.
The Culture Ministry believes inclusion of Trakai into the list would amount to recognition of Trakai as Lithuania's first capital and one of the most important historic locations in the country.
Lithuania currently has three entries in the World Heritage List: Vilnius' Old Town, the Curonian Spit and the Kernave archeological site.
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee includes 21 countries that have signed the convention on protection of world natural and cultural heritage. Lithuania has been a member of the body since October 2003.
