By NNN-KUNA
Amman : Iraq and UNESCO have signed an agreement for the restoration of the Al-Askari shrine in Samaraa, north of the Iraqi capital.
The first stage of the restoration project of the shrine where the tombs of the Imam Ali Al-Hadi and his son, Al-Hassan Al-Askari, are situated would be carried out over 10 months at a cost of USD 8.4 million, Iraqi government spokesman Ali Al-Dabbagh told reporters Sunday.
This includes clearing the site, classifying the broken pieces and storing them.
Then, a survey and assessment process will take place to test if the remaining building would be strong enough to build on, he added. Drawings for the site will be prepared at a later phase.
The shrine was the target of destructive attacks, the first last year. The second took place earlier this month.