Ukraine's Ambassador to the Netherlands comments on scandal with Dutch paintings

Ambassador of Ukraine to the Netherlands Oleksandr Horin said this in an exclusive commentary to an Ukrinform correspondent, commenting on the scandal, involving the paintings stolen from a museum in Friesland in 2005, which allegedly are in Ukraine now. In particular, the Ambassador recalled the situation when Ukraine had unilaterally returned the Dutch collection, which had disappeared during the World War II.

"Ukraine has good reputation in the return of cultural property, in particular, that of the Netherlands. In 2004, Ukraine unilaterally returned 139 drawings from the Koenigs Collection, which had been lost after the World War II," he said.

Speaking about the current situation, Horin noted that now the Government of the Netherlands had no doubt that the paintings would be returned to their owners if they were found in Ukraine. In particular, such a position was voiced by Dutch Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Minister Lilian Ploumen.

The diplomat noted that Ukraine was ready to assist in this matter. At the same time, the Ambassador stressed that Ukraine needed a formal investigation at first. According to Horin, Ukraine is waiting for an official request from the Dutch side at the moment.

ol