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By IRINA TITOVA
Associated Press Writer 	MOSCOW (AP) - A group of foreign
journalists working in Moscow on Thursday announced the creation of a
group aimed to preserve the many architectural treasures and raise
awareness about what they say is the fast-paced destruction of a
history that took centuries build. 	"I've lived in Moscow for
eight years, and I've been shocked how rapidly many of beautiful
historical buildings I used to see everywhere have just disappeared,"
said Kevin O'Flynn, a correspondent for the English language
newspaper The Moscow Times and a founder of the Moscow Architecture
Preservation Society, or MAPS. 	The society's creators said their
concerns about changing city have reached a high point over the
uncertain fate of the Manezh, a neoclassical downtown Moscow landmark
outside the Kremlin walls that was badly damaged in a March fire.
	They said city authorities are discussing plans to recreate
the 19th century Manezh rather than restoring it. Clementine Cecil,
Moscow-based reporter for the British newspaper The Times and a
member of MAPS, said that would mean the Manezh would be demolished
like dozens of other historic buildings destroyed over the past 12
years to make way for new structures. 	Alexei Klimenko, a member of
the city's architectural advisory council, said he considered the
current situation surrounding the preservation of historical sites in
Moscow "a national tragedy and as a cultural catastrophe." 	"If
the situation keeps going this way we can forget about tourism in
Moscow. Because who will be willing to spend money on forgery?" said
Klimenko. 	Central Moscow has been transformed by the real
estate boom of the last few years, changing from a decaying but
unique historic area to an elite and expensive spot for the
well-to-do that is similar to centers of a number of European
capitals. 	In the past two years, authorities have taken the
boom ton two major landmarks: The Hotel Moskva off Red Square, a
Soviet-era behemoth whose facade is known outside Russia from the
Stolichnaya Vodka label; and Voyentorg, an early 20th century
department store. 	Many demolished landmarks have been replaced
by copies of the old buildings, their facades recreated and the
gutted insides modernized for use as offices or expensive shops.
	After the fire at the Manezh, which killed two firefighters,
There was speculation that the blaze was set to allow for the prime
real estate to be put to more profitable use. The building had hosted
exhibitions. 	"I have no doubt that the Manezh was burned
intentionally," Klimenko said. 	Alexei Komech, the head of the State
Institute for Art History and a member of the city's architectural
council, said he was moved by the initiative of the foreign
enthusiasts and expressed hope that the Moscow government - which
many Muscovites say ignores their opinions - would listen to the
international community. 	(it/sbg) 	   271811 may 04GMT