Gov't Passes Slovak-Ukrainian Agreement on Transfer of Diplomatic Real Estate

Bratislava, 15 October (TASR) - The Cabinet on Wednesday approved a draft Slovak-Ukrainian inter-governmental agreement on a mutual transfer of real estate for the purposes of diplomatic representation. Slovakia will thus gain a building in Kiev and land in Uzhhorod, while Ukraine will obtain real estate in Bratislava. The aim of the agreement is to govern the two countries' proprietary relations to their embassy buildings on the territory of the host country. "The original agreement from 2003 will expire on the date on which this agreement comes into force," said the Slovak Foreign Affairs Ministry, which submitted the draft. Based on this agreement, Ukraine will acquire ownership of a building on Radvanska Street in Bratislava, which is administered by the Slovak Foreign Affairs Ministry. It will be transferred to the Ukrainians for a symbolic price of €1, on the principle of reciprocity. At the same time, Slovakia will provide Ukraine with free use of the land beneath the building for a period of 49 years. Meanwhile, Slovakia will acquire ownership of a building on Jaroslaviv Val Street in Kiev and a plot of land on Lokoty Street in Uzhhorod, also at a symbolic price of €1. In addition, Ukraine will provide Slovakia with a free lease of the land next to the building in Kiev for 49 years. ko/df