Public council on control over privatization set up

A round-table on “Policy of privatization and expected results” was held Thursday at the “Ayna/Zerkalo” newspaper’s editorial office. Participants focused on results of the first stage of privatization, issues surrounding the future denationalization of medium and large enterprises.

Attending the meeting were representatives of Musavat, PNIA, PFPA, ALP, Azadlig parties, NGOs and independent experts. Despite being invited, representatives of the government (Ministry of State Property, State Committee on Securities, President’s office, etc.) didn’t show up.

Speakers pointed to the negative aspects that emerged during privatization and claimed that the government is not interested in eliminating them.

A Musavat spokesman Gubad Ibadoglu said further expansion of monopolization was observed. As an example, he referred to “AzPetrol”, which owns 80% of service stations in the country. Objections were voiced to the privatization of military enterprises.

A decision was passed in conclusion to set up a public council on control over privatization, which would include political parties, NGOs, and experts.*