ITAR/TASS News Agency 22.03.2006, 23.15

Viktor Yushchenko said the privatisation of old castles might become real in Ukraine


LVOV, March 22 (Itar-Tass) -- Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko said the privatisation of old castles might become real in Ukraine.

“Attracting investors, private structures and public organisations for the restoration of castles is one of the concrete objectives,” Yushchenko told a press conference at the 17th century Zbarazh Castle, Ternopol region, where he arrived on a one-day visit on Wednesday.

In his words, the state budget will allocate 15 times more money for the development of tourism and the restoration of historical landmarks in 2005 than two years ago and 20 times more in 2006.

“But these 147 million hryvnas (29.4 million U.S. dollars) is too little,” the president said, adding that it is important to engage private business in this work.

According to Yushchenko, private business supports the idea of privatising ancient castles in Ukraine.

There were about 5,000 castles and defence installations in Ukraine in Medieval times. Slightly more than 50 have survived up to date. Their restoration will require 200 million U.S. dollars.