Georgi Kitov, one of Bulgaria's most prominent archaeologists, would explore Thracian tombs to the east of the town of Sliven, Sliven Regional Museum of History director Georgi Kyupchukov said.

Kyupchukov and Kitov agreed recently on joint scientific exploration of the area, Kyupchukov told Focus news agency.

A co-operation contract would soon be signed, Kyupchukov also said.

Sliven municipality, Sliven Regional Museum of History and Thracological Expedition for Tumular Investigations will grant the money for the excavations.

Kyupchukov also said that the excavations would probably begin in July 2007 and would last three months.