Granada, Spain  - The southern Spanish region of Andalusia is to begin opening mass graves, one of which is believed to contain the remains of Spain's most universal modern poet Federico Garcia Lorca, officials said Friday.

Justice official Begona Alvarez said experts had located six possible mass graves in the area near Granada where Lorca is believed to have been shot dead by supporters of dictator-to-be Francisco Franco at the start of Spain's 1936-39 civil war. The poet was 38.

Four of the most important graves would now be opened, according to Alvarez.

One of the graves is believed to contain the remains of Lorca and three other men who were executed with him.

The Lorca family, however, has opposed the exhumation, saying that would set the poet apart from anonymous war victims.

The exhumation was due to take place under secrecy, with the site cordoned off and placed under guard.

Alvarez said experts would only identify victims whose families wanted them to be identified, and that Lorca's remains could be left where they were, if his family so wished.

Experts such as Lorca historian Ian Gibson have expressed outrage over his bones being left in a mass grave.(dpa)