Recently the members of the Italian national community were surprised by the news that the Municipality of Koper had no intention to extend the lease contract for the Vianello Palace which has been housing the headquarters of the Italian consulate since 1957.

The consul Iva Palmieri explained a couple of day ago that "in November the lease contract will expire, therefore we informed the Municipality of that fact already in February, and asked for extension of the contract. A few days ago we received a negative answer, with the explanation that they intend to deny their consent. I wrote to the Mayor and asked for an explanation, but we haven't received an answer yet."

Yet it seems they managed to come to an agreement. The Italian consulate will remain in the same building, according to the deputy mayor of Koper Alberto Scheriani, who represents the Italian national community in the municipal council.

"It was agreed that the consulate will remain in the historical palace. The municipality will hire an appraiser to evaluate the value of the palace, and set an adequate rent. The rent hasn't changed in decade. It will be the basis for our future discussions with the consulate," he explained.

The consulate is presently paying to the Municipality of Koper the rent of EUR 1583 per month. After the evaluation of the value of the palace, Scheriani expects the rent to increase.

RA SLO, RA KP
Translated by G. K.