The works to build the new compound of the Embassy of the United States of America, on the site of the former National Stadium, were declared public utility of national interest. A relevant draft law was approved by the Cabinet on Wednesday, IPN reports.
According to the director of the Public Property Agency Roman Cojuhari, the preliminary examination commission for the declaration of public utility of national interest found that the construction works meet the justifying elements of the national interest.
"We guarantee that the expropriation procedure will be carried out strictly in accordance with the national legislation and good practices. The expropriated ones will receive fair compensation paid by the Government of the Republic of Moldova, which will later be reimbursed by the U.S. Government," said Roman Cojuhari.
Under the bill, the land that is currently owned by the state hosts constructions belonging to private owners. By recognizing the public utility of the project, the executive will be able to initiate the expropriation procedure. All costs will be covered by the Government of the United States of America, according to the commitments set out in the bilateral agreements.
After the adoption of the law by the Parliament, the technical steps required to transfer the land to the American side will be taken.
The land located on Tighina St, with an area of 5.2 hectares, was sold to the American side for €18 million. The U.S. diplomatic campus will be built here. The U.S. Embassy pledged to build a park with public access on one side of the land. Also, the gates of the former stadium will be restored and preserved as a symbol of the history of this place.
