GOVT READIES DETAILED PRIVATIZATION LIST OF 500 ENTERPRISES

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The Cabinet of ministers is readying a detailed list of enterprises subject for privatization in 2008, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the President's Secretariat Oleksandr Shlapak told journalists following a Wednesday Govt session.

As he specified, the list comprising of some 500 enterprises will be presented during the next Govt sitting.

According to Shlapak, during the near meeting between Viktor Yushchenko and Premier Yulia Tymoshenko several enterprises for first priority privatization will be discussed.

"If the common language is found, their privatization will be completed, otherwise they will be withdrawn from privatization," he said. Shlapak criticized some provisions of the Cabinet's bill on changes to the privatization legislation.

In particular, he noted that the document provides for unilateral breaking a privatization deal if the State Property Fund experts give their consent. "Thus, litigation is excluded, which is unacceptable," Shlapak further commented.

Among other doubtful moments Mr Shlapak noted the opportunity of concluding a termless agreement and the provision allowing non-returning money to buyer if the privatization agreement is canceled upon the SPF's initiative.

On January 16 the Cabinet of ministers approved the list of 28 facilities for first priority privatization in 2008.

On Tuesday President Viktor Yushchenko in his letter to Prime Minister Tymoshenko said he demands the specification list.

As PM Tymoshenko told journalists, the "government started making the things orderly and makes the first step in the privatization situation", she said the privatization bill contains several innovations which must revolutionary change the privatization situation.

The debates, which have started around the issue Tymoshenko explains with some circles' opposition to the Govt's move to make the sphere orderly.

However, she described relations between the Secretariat of president and the Cabinet of ministers as normal. "Debates even among associates are normal," she stressed.

UKRINFORM