MOSCOW. Aug 12 (Interfax) - Kremlin still remains main residence of the Russian president, however officials will not come back to Kremlin buildings after reconstruction, Moscow Kremlin superintendant Sergei Khlebnikov said.
"The president has spoken absolutely clearly regarding this - all structures moved will remain outside Kremlin. This will do good to the monument - the burden of service transport will go down and procedures and restrictions for tourists will decrease," Khlebnikov said in an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta published on Tuesday.
At the same time, the first building of the Kremlin will still be the presidential residence, Khlebnikov said. "Yes, the building constructed upon architect Kazakov's project has everything necessary to the president's work. And it would be irrational and not cost-conscious to refuse this," he said.
In late July Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a plan to re-organize the Moscow Kremlin territory. In particular, it has been proposed not to re-construct the 14th building of the Kremlin but to restore the historical image of the Ivanovskaya Square with a monastery, a convent and a church. This idea could be implemented only after public and UNESCO approval, Putin said.
The 14th Kremlin building was erected in 1930s on the place of the Chudov Monastery, Ascension Convent and Nikolaevsky Palace. The repair of the building was started in November 2011 and it was planned to complete it in 2-2.5 years, however contractors came across big difficulties.
"I want to speak about the fate of the 14th building right away that final decision has not been made yet. The president proposed to put this issue for a wide discussion of experts, to hold a detailed assessment of all options, to work out possible projects with UNESCO. And for now, as a temporary stage, to organize here a public garden, kind of extension of the Taynitsky Garden," the Kremlin superintendant said.