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Russian ambassador criticizes lack of progress on privatization

The Belarusian government has taken no steps to privatize the country`s large state-owned enterprises, Russian Ambassador Aleksandr Surikov said in an interview with BelaPAN.

The diplomat suggested that Belarus was "in two minds" about the possible privatization of its industrial giants, a condition that the country has to fulfill to secure further lending from the Eurasian Economic Community`s Anti-crisis Fund.

Mr. Surikov downplayed a recent statement by Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich, who said that Minsk was in talks with Russian companies about the sale of stakes in seven enterprises. According to the ambassador, only one of the enterprises in question - gas transport company Beltranshaz - has been appraised by an independent party. "Speaking about any talks on other Belarusian assets today is nothing but wishful thinking," he said, adding that Alyaksandr Lukashenka had yet to approve the sale of stakes in the companies and the latter had yet to be appraised. "And I have the impression that appraisers have not yet even been involved. So the prime minister`s remarks are nothing but words and it`s hard for me to say what for they are said. Maybe they are intended to placate Belarus` future creditors - if there appear any suddenly," Mr. Surikov said.

The ambassador noted that the Minsk Automobile Factory could be appraised at the end of this year at the earliest. He also made clear that Russia is skeptical about the Belarusian government`s claims that potash giant Belaruskali is worth $30 billion. "I don`t see anyone being eager to buy this Belaruskali," he said.