Ukrainian Parliament Approves Privatization Program

Privatization was a major divisive factor within the Ukrainian government headed by Yuliya Tymoshenko in 2005 (official site) December 6, 2006 -- Ukraine's parliament today approved an ambitious privatization program that would see stakes in dozens of state-owned enterprises put up for auction.

Among the assets on offer is a minority stake in the national telephone communications provider, Ukrtelekom. The market value of the stake is estimated at close to $1 billion.

The privatization of Ukrtelekom has repeatedly been postponed by political infighting, with Ukrainian commercial interests trying to lock out outsiders.

(compiled from agency reports)