Victor Yushchenko is now presiding over a meeting on the development of tourism and preservation of cultural sites in the Ternopil region, according to the President’s press-office.
Culture Minister Ihor Likhovy, Architecture Minister Pavlo Kachur, First Deputy Chief of State Ivan Vasyunyk, Ternopil Governor Ivan Stoyko, First Deputy Economy Minister Serhiy Romanyuk, Deputy Finance Minister Volodymyr Matviychuk, and local businessmen are present at the meeting.
First the Chief of State studied a few projects to restore Ternopil’s castles.
In his speech, the President opined that Ternopil’s unique touristic potential was really important for the development of Ukraine’s western region. He said this land was rich in castles and fortresses. Most of them are dilapidated, so the government should help restore them, he said.
“Today can start a campaign for the preservation of sacred architectural and historical places of the region,” Mr. Yushchenko said.
Then he added that it was incumbent on government, business and society to unite in order to jointly renovate these buildings and develop infrastructure.
The President believes the meeting should help more actively solve these problems and urged those present to inform society of all their decisions.
Pavlo Kachur said the government was going to spend UAH 25 mln to preserve cultural sites across the country in 2006 but planned to increase this sum to UAH 120 mln next year.
