Dispute over historic Jewish cemetery in Vilnius settled

Lithuanian authorities and Jewish groups have announced an agreement over construction permits for an area in the capital Vilnius that was formerly home to the famous Snipiskes Jewish cemetery. "We can confirm that from today, a line has been drawn under the issue of the Snipiskes cemetery," asenior government aide told reporters. Lithuania's Heritage Office signed a deal with the Jewish community and the London-based Committee for the Preservation of Jewish Cemeteries in Europe (CPJE). Under the agreement, two zones are created, one where new building work is prohibited and another where it needs CPJE approval.

Controversy has raged for years over the historic burial ground in Snipiskes. Lithuania faced criticism from Jewish groups and US lawmakers over the desecration of the former cemetery. The graveyard operated between the 16th and 19th centuries. Lithuania drew ire in 2005 over the nearby construction of an apartment and office complex.