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Two “landmark” privatization bills drawn up in Belarus, official says

Two “landmark” privatization bills have been drawn up in Belarus, Natallya Zharnasek, head of the State Property Committee’s State Property Fund, told reporters in Minsk on November 6.

One of the bills is a new version of the Privatization Law, she said, noting that the other legislation would govern government-owned property.

According to Ms. Zharnasek, the bills are aimed at “optimizing” the list of property that may not be sold into private hands.

They would exclude Belarusian Railroads and main oil pipelines from the list.

“Work is already under way to reorganize Belarusian Railroads’ companies, excluding enterprises that are in charge for rail safety,” Ms. Zharnasek said. “Two operators of oil pipelines – Navapolatsk-based oil transportation company Druzhba and Homyeltransnafta Druzhba –are preparing for privatization.” //BelaPAN