SPIEGEL: UNESCO's World Heritage Committee decided last week to give Dresden three months to develop alternatives to the planned bridge  across Dresden's Elbe Valley. How did you reach this decision?

Marciulionyte: We conducted many conversations in Christchurch -- also with representatives from Dresden and the government. The situation is rather difficult. We recognize that the legal options have been exhausted, but we also believe that such problems cannot be solved in court alone. We have called on the regional government of Saxony to protect the exceptional value and the integrity of the World Heritage site.

SPIEGEL: When UNESCO decided to include Dresden on its list of World Heritage sites in 2004, the plans for the new bridge were already public. Why didn't you warn against the project back then?

Rössler: There were misunderstandings and there was misinformation. The original application dossier, which was available in English, contained no precise proposal, only a map with various bridge models. Apparently there was another, internal document in German, which was not, however, official, since all official documents have to be written in one of the working languages -- English or French. When a major construction project is pending, this project has to be presented to UNESCO for review, including the blueprints. This did not happen, and we only learned about this specific bridge belatedly from the media.

SPIEGEL: What would you prefer -- a more unobtrusive bridge or a tunnel?

Marciulionyte: This question was extensively discussed in Christchurch. Some representatives are in favor of a tunnel, since it would be less obstructive than any bridge, even one designed differently.

SPIEGEL: Dresden's Elbe Valley was awarded the title of World Heritage site because of the unique harmony between the city and the landscape. Bridges, such as the Augustus Bridge, have always been part of this panorama. Why did you speak out specifically against the new bridge?

Marciulionyte: The Committee isn't against every new development, but we also have to ensure that any construction also dignifies the unique value for which such a cultural landscape has been listed. The Committee's objection is based on a study produced by a team of independent researchers. The report, from Aachen's Technical University, indicates that this bridge will disrupt the integrity of the Elbe Valley.

SPIEGEL: There are rumors that UNESCO only expressed objections to the project after Nobel Prize winner Günter Blobel, who heads the "Friend of Dresden" association, spoke out against the bridge.