(v) RUSSIA: LENIN'S TOMB TO CLOSE FOR ANNUAL REPAIRS

(2 Feb 1999) Natural Sound
VOICED BY: Louise Bates

One of Russia's most famous tourist attractions, Lenin's Tomb, is closing on Tuesday for more than a month for yearly repairs.

The closure, which is routine, comes as the future of the mausoleum is being debated.

Many want to see the mausoleum closed for good and the embalmed Lenin lying in state buried in a proper grave in accordance with his wishes.

VOICE OVER:

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The centre piece of Moscow's Red Square is shutting its doors for about two months -- so Vladimir Lenin, who's been lying in state for 75 years, can be repaired.

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Each year, the mausoleum closes for extensive preservation work on his remains.

Lenin's embalmers who were hailed during the Soviet Union for their pioneering work, keep their trade a closely guarded secret.

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What is known is that his body, which is kept in a climate-controlled environment for viewing visitors, will be soaked in a special solution and his face draped in an ointment..

The key is a secret liquid that will be pumped into his body to prevent tissue decay.

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Although his body's been carefully attended to since his death, a debate is raging on whether the work should continue.

The whole nation mourned when the founder of the Soviet Union died.
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But today, Lenin's body is not revered as it was in Soviet times, and opponents say his mausoleum is both expensive and overrated.

Supporters on the other hand say his tomb is an historic landmark and his remains don't deserve to be buried along with the rest of Russia's Communist past.

(1.16) VISION ENDS

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