12:48 19.04.2016

Paintings found by SBU to be returned to the Netherlands after examinations - FM

2 min read
Paintings found by SBU to be returned to the Netherlands after examinations - FM

Dutch paintings stolen in 2005 and recently found by Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) will be returned to the Netherlands, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin has said.

"As for the transfer, of course, it is to be done in line with the procedures: first examination, then the joint examination with Dutch experts and then the paintings will be returned. I hope that once we jointly with Dutchmen will be able to see these painting," he said at a meeting with representatives of business organized by the European Business Association in Kyiv on Monday.

Klimkin said that according to some sources, the rest of the paintings are staying on the occupied part of Donbas, maybe under control of Russian criminal groups.

The minister said that two paintings were found before the referendum in the Netherlands, although it was decided not to announce this before the referendum.

"If the information was spread, there were small chances to find the rest of the paintings. It was decided to work further, without extra PR, in order not to harm the search of the rest of the paintings. As far as I know, many politicians from the Netherlands backed the decision," Kilmkin said, adding that the operation lasted for several months.

AD
AD
AD
AD